“And with influence in the fur trade.”
“All the better that,” he continued obstinately. “Why should a girl object if her husband be rich?”
“But he is not rich,” I said plainly, looking straight into his eyes. “He is no more than a penniless adventurer; an actor playing a part assigned him by the Governor; while you and I do the same. Listen, Monsieur Chevet, the property at St. Thomas is mine by legal right, and it was to gain possession that this wretch sought my hand.”
“Your legal right?”
“Ay, restored by the King in special order.”
“It is not true; I had the records searched by a lawyer, Monsieur Gautier, of St. Anne.”
I gave a gesture of indignation.
“A country advocate at whom those in authority would laugh. I tell you what I say is true; the land was restored, and the fact is known to La Barre and to Cassion. It is this fact which has caused all our troubles. I overheard talk last night between the Governor and his aide-de-camp, Colonel Delguard––you know him?”
Chevet nodded, his interest stirred.
“They thought themselves alone, and were laughing at the success of their trick. I was hidden behind 94 the heavy curtains at the window, and every word they spoke reached my ears. Then they sent for Cassion.”