He spun upon his heels without another word, and went straight to
Mélisse.
"Jan Thoreau is going to leave the post," he announced fiercely, throwing out his chest and glaring at her accusingly.
"So father has told me," said Mélisse.
Her cheeks were colorless, and there were purplish lines under her eyes, but she spoke with exceeding calmness.
"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Jean, whirling again, "you take it coolly!"
A little later Mélisse saw Jan coming from the store. When he entered the cabin his dark face betrayed the strain under which he was laboring, but his voice was unnaturally calm.
"I have come to say good-by, Mélisse," he said. "I am going to prospect for a good trap-line among the Barrens."
"I hope you will have good luck, Jan."
In her voice, too, was a firmness almost metallic.
For the first time in his life Jan held out his hand to her. She started, and for an instant the blood surged from her heart to her face. Then she gave him her own and looked him squarely and unflinchingly in the eyes.