I stood at the
window and looked at the water-way that led to the east, and waited for
my wife. I had several speeches prepared for her, but when she came I
said none of them. I took her hand and led her to the window.
"Look at the path of the sun, madame. It was just such a morning when
you came to me first."
Her hand lingered a moment in mine. "I came to the most gallant
gentleman that I have ever known."
With all the kindness of her words there was something in them that
spoke of parting. "Then will you stay with him?" I cried. "Mary, I
know no gallant gentleman. To me he seems much a fool and a dreamer.
But such as he is he is loyally yours. Will you stay with him? Or
will you start for Montreal this morning with your cousin?"
"This morning?"
"Yes, as soon as the canoes can be made ready. I did not know this
till after midnight. I wish I might have warned you."
"This is warning enough. I was sure that this was what you had to tell
me when you asked for me so early. There is but one thing for me to
do. I must go with my cousin."
I heard the words, but I felt incredulous, stupid. I was prepared to
meet this decision after argument, not to have it fall on me in this
leaden way.
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