“It is such a simple thing. Until you came out here under the trees my mind was racked with the troubles about us. But now you are here, and I do not care,––no, not if this were to be my last night, if to-morrow they should––” She made a nervous gesture, but he went on.
“You see it is you, Mademoiselle, who come into my life, and then all the rest goes out.”
“Don’t,” she said brokenly. “Don’t.”
Father Claude came slowly toward them. 205
“My child,” he said, “if you are not too wearied, I wish to talk with you.”
She rose with an air of relief and joined him. Menard watched them, puzzled. He could hear the priest speaking in low, even tones; and then the maid’s voice, deep with emotion. Finally they came back, and she went hurriedly into the hut without a glance at the soldier, who had risen and stood by the door.
“Come, M’sieu, let us walk.”
Menard looked at him in surprise, but walked with him.
“It is about the speech to the council––and Captain la Grange. It may be that you are right, M’sieu.”
“Right? I do not understand.”