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Updated: June 26, 2025
"I will use your quarters gladly, Captain de Baugis," I said quietly, "but will ask to be left there undisturbed." "Most assuredly, Madame my servant will accompany you." "Then good-night, Messieurs," I faced Cassion, meeting his eyes frankly. "I am greatly wearied, and would rest; tomorrow I will speak with you, Monsieur. Permit me to pass."
The huge palace of the Intendant, between the bluff and the river, was ablaze with lights, and already crowded with guests at our arrival. I had seen nothing of Chevet since the morning, nor did he appear now; but Monsieur Cassion was prompt enough, and congratulated me on my appearance with bows, and words of praise which made me flush with embarrassment.
De Artigny had disappeared, although I glanced about in search for him, as Cassion drew aside the tent flap, and peered within. He appeared pleased at the way in which his orders had been executed. "'Tis very neat, indeed, Monsieur," I said pleasantly, glancing inside. "I owe you my thanks."
"I removed it last night from a leather bag found beneath the sleeping bunk in the quarters assigned me." "Do you know whose bag it was?" "Certainly; it was in the canoe with me all the way from Quebec M. Cassion's." "Your husband?" "Yes, Monsieur." De Baugis' eyes seemed to darken as he gazed at me; then his glance fell upon Cassion, who was leaning forward, his mouth open, his face ashen gray.
'Tis little use for us to quarrel, M. Cassion the order is genuine." "Mon Dieu, I care not for such an order; it does not supersede my commission; I outrank this De Tonty." "Hush, do not play the fool." "Better the fool than the coward." "Wait," said La Forest sharply, "the matter is not ended. You are Francois Cassion, of Quebec?" "Major of Infantry, Commissaire of the Governor La Barre."
"Under arrest? for what, Monsieur? Treason, and mutilation of official records? What does it mean?" "This the man knows, and will not deny the charge. False testimony sworn to, and signed by this Francois Cassion, charged Captain la Chesnayne with cowardice and treason. In consequence the latter was broken of his command, and his estates forfeited to the Crown.
I should tell him, tell him all; and he must judge my conduct from my own words, and not those of another. In some manner I must keep him away from Cassion ay, and from Chevet until opportunity came for me to first communicate with him. I was a woman, and some instinct of my nature told me that Sieur de Artigny held me in high esteem.
Surely that is not the end you seek. I would not have you bear affront longer, yet no open quarrel will serve to better our affairs. Certainly no clash of swords. Perhaps it cannot be avoided, for Cassion may so insult you when he sees us together, as to let his insolence go beyond restraint. But I beg of you, Monsieur, to hold your hand, to restrain your temper for my sake."
These were the two questions haunting my mind, and becoming more and more insistent. The light still burned in the mission house, and I could picture the scene within the three priests reading, or talking softly to each other, and Cassion asleep on his bench in the corner, wearied with the day. I could not understand, could not imagine a cause, and yet the assassin must have been De Artigny.
He must have known, suspected the truth before our departure, yet had no thought such villainy was the work of M. Cassion. He sought evidence." "That is the whole story, no doubt. La Barre learned of his search, for he would have spies in plenty, and wrote his letter of warning to Cassion.
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