"Ma'amselle," said Mr. Mowbray gravely, "I have detailed you five men,
a canoe, and stores. May God grant that they may serve your purpose"
A long sigh escaped the girl's lips.
"And may He forever hold you in His grace, M'sieu!" she said
tremulously; "and bless you at the hour of death!"
"And now, Ma'amselle," he said gently, "tell me more of this strange
adventure. How comes it that a young maid, alone but for a youthful
trapper, goes to the Pays d'en Haut after a factor, of the Company? Why
did this duty not fall to the men of the post?"
"They said, as you, M'sieu, but an hour back, that it was a quest of
death. They love life. I love the factor."
She made her explanation simply, in all innocence, looking gravely into
the fire, and Mr. Mowbray gasped inwardly.
"I see. So Anders McElroy is your lover. A fine man, worthy of the love
of such a woman, and blessed above men in its possessing if I may make
so bold, Ma'amselle."
"Nay,--you mistake."
Maren shook her head.
"Not my lover. I but said that I love the factor He does not love me,
M'sieu."
"What? Heaven above us! What was that? Does not love you! And yet you
go into the Pays d'en Haut after the North Indians? You speak in
riddles.
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