But it was M'sieu Jeems then, and there had been a bit of taunting laughter in her voice.

Jim or James meant nothing, but Jeems--He had heard mothers call little children that, in moments of endearment.

He knew that wives and sweethearts used it in that same way.

For Jim and James were not uncommon names up and down the Three Rivers, even among the half-breeds and French, and Jeems was the closer and more intimate thing bred of it.
His heart was thumping riotously as he went to the door and listened.

A little while ago, when she faced him with flashing eyes, commanding him not to question her, he had felt an abyss under his feet.