“He is rough,” I protested, “for his life has been hard, yet has given me no reason to complain. ’Tis because the life is lonely that I grow old.”
“No doubt, and the younger gallant? He is not of the forest school?”
“’Twas Monsieur Cassion, Commissaire for the Governor.”
“Ah! ’tis through him you have invitation to the great ball?”
I bowed my head, wondering at the kind questioning 32 in the sister’s eyes. Could she have heard the truth? Perchance she might tell me something of the man.
“He has been selected by Monsieur Chevet as my husband,” I explained doubtfully. “Know you aught of the man, sister?”
Her hand closed gently on mine.
“No, only that he has been chosen by La Barre to carry special message to the Chevalier de Baugis in the Illinois country. He hath an evil, sneering face, and an insolent manner, even as described to me by the Sieur de Artigny.”
I caught my breath quickly, and my hand grasp tightened.
“The Sieur de Artigny!” I echoed, startled into revealing the truth. “He has been here? has talked with you?”