"He has long courted me, madame."
"And you met him as a stranger and fled from him as a wolf!—this Hollandais gentleman who hath saved our French people—even priests—from the savages!"
"All New Amsterdam and Fort Orange hold him in esteem," said Antonia, betraying pride. "I have heard he can do more with the Iroquois tribes than any other man of the New World." She uselessly wiped her eyes. She was weak from long crying.
"Then why do you run from him?"
"Because he hath too witching a power on me, madame. I cannot spin or knit or sew when he is by; I must needs watch every motion of his if he once fastens my eyes."
"I have noticed he draws one's heart," laughed Marie.
"He does. It is like witchcraft. He sets me afloat so that I lose my feet and have scarce any will of my own. I never was so disturbed by my husband Jonas Bronck," complained Antonia.
"Did you love your husband?" inquired Marie.
"We always love our husbands, madame. Mynheer Bronck was very good to me."
"You have never told me much of Monsieur Bronck, Antonia."