Frontenac himself and then to find Iberville. Enemy of her country
though he was, she would appeal to him. As she climbed the steep steps
of Mountain Street, worn with hard travel, she turned faint. But the
eyes of curious folk were on her, and she drew herself up bravely.

She was admitted almost at once to the governor. He was at dinner when
she came. When her message was brought to him, his brows twitched with
surprise and perplexity. He called Maurice Joval, and ordered that she
be shown to his study and tendered every courtesy. A few moments later
he entered the room. Wonder and admiration crossed his face. He had not
thought to see so beautiful a woman. Himself an old courtier, he knew
women, and he could understand how Iberville had been fascinated. She
had arranged her toilette at Levis, and there were few traces of the
long, hard journey, save that her hands and face were tanned. The
eloquence of her eyes, the sorrowful, distant smile which now was natural
to her, worked upon the old soldier before she spoke a word. And after
she had spoken, had pleaded her husband's cause, and appealed to the
nobleman's chivalry, Frontenac was moved. But his face was troubled.
He drew out his watch and studied it.

Presently he went to the door and called Maurice Joval. There was
whispering, and then the young man went away.

"Madame, you have spoken of Monsieur Iberville," said the governor.
"Years ago he spoke to me of you."

Her eyes dropped, and then they raised steadily, clearly. "I am sure,
sir," she said, "that Monsieur Iberville would tell you that my husband
could never be dishonourable. They have been enemies, but noble
enemies."