way to Quebec?"

"Indeed, madame, very well. Madame, I am sorry--"

"Let us not dwell upon it, Aaron. Can you get a few men together to go
there?"

"Within an hour."

"Very well, I shall be ready."

"You, madame--ready? You do not think of going?"

"Yes, I am going."

"But, madame, it is not safe. The Abenaquis and Iroquois are not
friendly, and--"

"Is this friendly? Is it like a good friend, Aaron Hulm? Did I not
nurse your mother when--"

He dropped on one knee, took her hand and kissed it. "Madame," he said
loyally, "I will do anything you ask; I feared only for your safety."

An hour afterwards she came into the room where her father still slept.
Stooping, she kissed his forehead, and fondled his thin grey hair. Then
she spoke to Hulm.

"Tell him," she said, "that I will come back soon: that my husband needs
me, and that I have gone to him. Tell him that we will both come back--