“So you sent for me––why? What has happened between you and Cassion?”
“No more than occurred between us yonder in Quebec, when I informed him that I was his wife in name only,” I answered quietly. “Do you blame me now that you understand his purpose in this marriage?”
“But I don’t understand. You have but aroused my suspicion. Tell me all, and if the man is a villain he shall make answer to me.”
“Ay, if you imagine you have been outplayed in the game, although it is little enough you would care otherwise. Let there be no misunderstanding between us, Monsieur. You sold me to Francois Cassion because you expected to profit through his influence with La Barre. Now you learn otherwise, and the discovery has angered you. For the time being you are on my side––but for how long?”
He stared at me, his slow wits scarcely translating my words. Seemingly the man had but one idea in his thick head.
“How know you the truth of all you have said?” he asked. “Where learned you of this wealth?”
“By overhearing conversation while hidden behind the curtain in La Barre’s office. He spoke freely with his aide, and later with Cassion. It was my discovery 118 there which led to the forced marriage, and our being sent with this expedition.”
“You heard alone?”
“So they thought, and naturally believed marriage would prevent my ever bearing witness against them. But I was not alone.”
“Mon Dieu! Another heard?”