Mexico Missouri message., 1916-06-08
CHAPTER II.
lThe choice Of a Husband.


1t was just before dark when Mon
sieur Cassion left us, and 1 watched
him go gladly enough, hidden behind
the shade of my window. He had
been talking for an hour with Chevet
in the room below; 1 could hear the
rattle of glasses, as though they drank,
and the unpleasant arrogance of his
voice, although no words reached me
clearly. 1 cared little what he said,
although / wondered at his purpose in
being there, and what object he might
have in this long converse with my
uncle. Yet was not sent for, and no
doubt 1t was some conference over
furs, of no great interest. The two
were in some scheme 1 knew to gain
advantage over Sleur de la Sale, and
were much elated now that La Barre
held power; but that was nothing for
girl to understand, so 1 worked on
with busy fingers, my mind not forget
full of the young Sieur d'Artigny.
Chevet did not return to the house
after Monsieur Cassion's canoe had
disappeared. I saw him walking back
and forth along the river bank, smok-
ing, and seemingly thinking out some
problem. Nor did he appear until l
had the evening meal ready, and called
to him down the arbor He was always
gruff and bearish enough when we
were alone, seldom speaking, indeed.
except to give utterance to some or
der, but this night he appeared even
more morose and silent than his wont,
not so much as looking at me as he
took seat, and began to eat. No doubt
Cassion had brought i'll news, or else
the appearance of D'Artigny had
served. to arouse all his old animosity
toward La Sale. 1t was little to me,
however and 1 had learned to ignore
his moods, so took my own place
silently, and paid no heed to the
scowl with which he surveyed me
across the table. No doubt my very
Indifference famed his discomfort, but
remained ignorant of 1t, until he
burst out savagely.
"And so you know this young cock
erel, do you? You know him, and
never told me? Where before did you
ever meet this popinjay?"
"At the convent three years ago.
La Sale rested there over night, and
young D'Artigny was Of the party.
He was but boy then"
"He came here today to see you?"
"No, never" 1 protested. 81 doubt
If he even had the memory Of me until
told him who was. Surely he ex-
planned clearly why he came"
He eyed me fiercely, his face full OF
suspicion, his great hand gripping the
knife.
otis we'll for you If that be true"
he said gruf1y, "but / have no faith
in the lads words. He is here as La
Sales spy, and so l told Cassion,
to laugh at my warning. Let him
spy he said, and will play at the
same game; tits little enough he will
learn, and we shall need his guidance
Ay! and he may be right, but want
nothing to do with the fellow. Cas-
sion may give him place in his boats,
If he will, but never again shall he set
foot on my land, nor have speech with
you. You mark my words, made
moiselleY
felt the color fame into my cheeks,
and knew my eyes darkened with an
ger, yet made effort to control my
speech.
Eyes, monsieur; am your ward and
have always been obedient, yet this
Sieur d'Artigny seems pleasant
spoken young man, and surely tits no
crime that he serves the Sieur de la
Salle."
ais 1t notp' he burst forth, striking
the table with his fist "Know you
not 1 would be rich but for that fur
stealer. By right those should be my
furs he sends here in trade. There will
be another tale to tell soon, now that
La Barre hath the reins OF power; and
this D'Artigny-bah! What care I
for that young cockerel-but hate the
brood. Listen, girl, pay my debts;
It was this hand that broke Louis
d'Artigny, and has kept him to his bed
for ten years past. Yet even that does
not wipe out the score between us.
IT'S no odds to you what was the
cause, but while live hate. So you
have my orders. you will speak no
more with this D'ArtIgny."
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