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"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 think I have some reason to ask an explanation, Monsieur." "And one easily made. I saw only the letter, but that revealed enough to permit of my guessing the rest. It is true, is it not, that La Chesnayne left an estate of value?" "He thought so, but, as you must be aware, it had been alienated by act of treason."
"Monsieur, save for Hugo Chevet, none in this company know the story of that marriage, or why I am here. What I ask brings no stain upon you. 'Tis not that I so dislike you, Monsieur, but I am the daughter of Pierre la Chesnayne, and 'tis not in my blood to yield to force. It will be best to yield me respect and consideration." "You threatened me yonder before La Barre."
I like you well; I would save you from injustice. You could not respect me if I said more, for I am Monsieur Cassion's wife by rite of Holy Church. I do not fear him he is a coward; but I fear dishonor, Monsieur, for I am Adele la Chesnayne. I would respect myself, and you." The light of conquest vanished from the gray eyes.
"They were, Governor la Barre," and Cassion's lips lost their grin, "and my delay in changing dress has occurred through the strange disappearance of Mademoiselle la Chesnayne. I left her with Major Callons while I danced with my lady, and have since found no trace of the maid." "Does not Callons know?" "Only that, seeking refreshments, he left her, and found her gone on his return.
"Ah, yes; I recall the circumstances now a rough, yet loyal trader. He was with me once on the Ottawa and tonight?" "He accompanied me to the city, your excellency, but I have not seen him since." "Small need, with Francois at your beck and call," and he patted me playfully on the cheek. "I have already tested his faithfulness. Your father, Mademoiselle?" "Captain Pierre la Chesnayne, sir."
Once at the fort, companioning with De Baugis, and with no one to deny the truth of his words, his very nature would compel him to boast of his marriage to Adele la Chesnayne. No doubt he had told many a vivid tale of happiness since we left Quebec.
But M. Cassion was his agent, and is guilty beyond a doubt." "But, Monsieur, who made the charges? Who brought the matter to the attention of Louis?" "The Comte de Frontenac; he was your father's friend, and won him restoration of his property. Not until La Forest met him in France was he aware of the wrong done Captain la Chesnayne.
And this," he bowed low before me in excess of gallantry, "no doubt will be the Mademoiselle la Chesnayne of whose charms I have heard so much of late. By my faith, Cassion, even your eloquence hath done small justice to the lady. Where, Mademoiselle, have you hidden yourself, to remain unknown to us of Quebec?" "I have lived with my uncle, Hugo Chevet."
The man cared nothing for me, as had already been plainly demonstrated, yet, but for this conspiracy of La Barre and his Commissaire, it would have been his privilege to have handled whatever property Pierre la Chesnayne left at time of his death. He would have been the legal guardian of an heiress, instead of the provider for an unwelcomed child of poverty.
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