“But surely we have somewhat to drink to the success of madame's journey?” said M. de Montcalm, in mock alarm.
“Assuredly, mon général! I at least was not star-gazing when I laid in the Bordeaux. I can even provide a glass of Frontignan for madame,” responded a little bright-eyed officer.
“Bravo, Joannès!” laughed the general. “Frontignan! That brings back the whole South, madame; its very name makes me homesick. Homesickness makes us all young, makes us all little children again. Ma foi! I believe that is why the Spaniard pretended the Fountain of Youth was to be found in the New World. I defy any one to remain here and not have perpetual youth, if my theory be correct.”
“But at least madame did not come to seek it,” responded M. de Bougainville, gallantly, “and we are keeping her standing.”
Thereupon they touched my glass, in order, each with a prettily turned wish for my good fortunes, and I tasted the sweet wine of Frontignan in return to the toast they drank together. No wishes could have been more welcome, and the little friendly ceremony meant much to me; indeed my heart was very full when M. de Montcalm bent over and kissed my hand as he helped me into the shallop and we pulled off into the dusk. Did I need anything further to set my uneasy mind at rest, I found it in the quiet words of Lucy when I told her of the outcome of my visit.
“Oh, my dear mistress,” she exclaimed, in a voice full of feeling, “He hath made our path straight to our feet!”
[CHAPTER XVI]
AT BEAULIEU
Gabriel altered his course with the satisfaction of a man confirmed in his superior judgment. “'II y a remède à tout, fors à la mort,' madame, and this has come at the last hour,” he cried, in great satisfaction. “I suppose le père Jean would say you were going to Louisbourg all the time, only it would look to an ordinary sinner like a precious long way round,” and he chuckled at his jest as he bustled about, filling every one with somewhat of his brimming content.
Favoured by the tide and a strong wind, we made a good run during the night, and when we awoke we were again coasting along the peaceful reaches of the South Shore with its frequent settlements and clearings—a pleasant change after the wilderness of the North.