"Military service?"
"Yes, mademoiselle, I am a soldier once more."
"You mean...?"
"I am enrolled among the Bastonnais."
"Bravo!" exclaimed Zulma. "Whenever you have to absent yourself from home fetch Blanche to me."
How little either Zulma or Batoche suspected what strange events would result from this incident.
[VI.]
[THE BALL AT THE CASTLE.]
On the evening of that same day, the 1st December, there was high festival within the walls of Quebec. A great ball was given at the Castle to celebrate the arrival of Governor Carleton. There was a twofold sentiment in the minds of all guests which enhanced the pleasure of the entertainment—gratification at the Governor's providential escape from all the perils of his voyage from Montreal to Quebec, and the assurance that his presence would procure a gallant and successful defence of the town against the besiegers. The attendance was both large and brilliant. Never had the old Chateau beheld a gayer scene. The French families vied with the English in doing honour to the occasion. Patriotism seemed to revive in the breasts of the most lukewarm, and many, whose standing had hitherto been dubious, came forward in the courtliest fashion to proclaim their loyalty to King George in the person of his representative.