So close did she stay
at the cabin, however, that at last he was forced to go to her. It was
twilight again, soft, filled with the breath of the forest, vibrant
with the call of birds off in some marshy land to the south, and he
found her alone, sitting upon the step, staring into the gathering
dusk, listening to the laughter of the young married folk from the
cabin next where Marie and Henri were loudest.
A lump rose in his throat as he caught the outline of the braided head
bowed lower than he had ever seen it, saw the whole attitude of the
strong figure, every line relaxed as if in a great weariness.
"Maren," he said, with the wonder of love in his voice, "Maren--my
maid!"
And he strode forward swiftly, stooped, and laid his hand on her
shoulder.
With a jerk the drooped head came up. She drew from his touch as if it
burned her.
"If you please, M'sieu," she said coldly, "go away."
McElroy sprang back.
"What? Go away! You wish that,--Ma'amselle?"
The tone more than the words drove out of him all daring of her sweet
name, took away in a flash all the personal.
"Of a surety,--go away."
The factor stood a moment in amazed silence.
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