The explorer met Le Ber’s face full of that triumphant contempt which men strangely feel for other men who have fallen and become stepping-stones of fortune to themselves. He turned away without answer, and began to eat indifferently from the dishes Jolycœur had left ready, standing beside the table while he ate.
“If Jacques le Ber were as anxious for the marriage as yourself,—but I told you this morning, my brother La Salle, what madness it must seem to all sane men,—it could not be arranged. His daughter hath refused to see you.”
“My thanks are due to my brother the Abbé for his nice management of all my affairs,” sneered La Salle. “I comprehend there is nothing which he will not endeavor to mar for me. It surely is madness which induces a man against all experience to confide in his brother.”
Jean Cavelier replied with a shrug and a spread of the hands which said, “In such coin of gratitude am I always paid.”
“Sieur de la Salle,” volunteered Le Ber, rising and coming forward with natural candor, “it is not so long ago that your proposal would have made me proud, and the Abbé hath not ill managed it now. Monsieur, I wish my girl to marry. I have been ready for any marriage she would accept. She has indeed shown more liking for you than for any other man in New France. Monsieur, I would far rather have her married than bound to the life she leads. But if you were in a position to marry, Jeanne refuses your hand.”
“Has she said this to you?” inquired La Salle.
“I have not seen her to-day,” replied Le Ber. “She has the Iroquois virgin Tegahkouita with her. I brought Tegahkouita here because she was besought for some healing in our Iroquois lodges near the fort.”
Jacques le Ber stopped. But La Salle calmly heard him thus claim everything pertaining to Fort Frontenac.
“We must do what we can to hold these unstable Indians,” continued Le Ber. “Monsieur, before I could carry your proposal to Jeanne, she sends me Tegahkouita, as if they had some holy contrivance for reading people’s minds. Your brother will confirm to you the words Tegahkouita brought.”
“Mademoiselle le Ber will pray for you always, my brother La Salle. But she refuses even to see you.”