"Madame, you have not sent him off on his journey in the night?"
"I sent him not. I begged him to remain. But he had such cold welcome from his own countrywoman that he chose the woods rather than the hospitality of Fort St. John."
Much as Antonia stirred and clinked flasks, her sobs grew audible behind the screen. She ran out with her arms extended and threw herself on the floor at Marie's knees, transformed by anguish. Marie in full compassion drew the girlish creature to her breast, repenting herself while Antonia wept and shook.
"I was cruel to say Monsieur Corlaer is gone. He has only left the fortress to camp with his men at the falls. He will be here two more days, and to-morrow you must urge him to stay our guest."
"Madame, I dare not see him at all!"
"But why should you not see Monsieur Corlaer?"
Antonia settled to the floor and rested her head and arms on her friend's lap.
"For you love him."
"O madame! I did not show that I loved him? No. It would be horrible for me to love him."
"What has he done? And it is plain he has come to court you."