Laroux, who had not spoken with her since that one word of the morning
at the gate, was dumb of tongue, aching with the old feeling in his
heart which had told him faithfully so long ago that all was not well
with her.
"At once, Maren," he said huskily, "I will raise the debt. When would
you be gone?"
"Soon, my friend,--soon, soon."
"The word shall go round to-night. All shall be ready in forty-eight
hours."
He paused a moment and presently, "Maren, maid," he said.
"Yes?"
"Hold you aught against me for the stand I took that day--the duty I
saw first?"
"Against you, Prix?--the truest, bravest friend I own? Nay, man,--you
are my staff, my hope, my courage. Would I had had your strength these
heavy days."
"Would to the good God you had! It shall not fail you again."
Maren held out her hand and Laroux grasped it in a clasp of faith.
"See!" cried Tessa Bibye, peeping eagerly from among the women, "she
holds hands with that blackhaired man of her people who spurs the rest.
One man or another,--as Francette says,--little cat!--all are fish who
come to Ma'amselle's net! The factor, or the cavalier, or a common
voyageur.
"Can they not see, these fool men, that the woman is a venturess,
playing with all?"
"You lie, Tessa Bibye!"
Micene Bordoux had passed unnoticed.
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