THE GIFT OF A CAPTIVE Fortune had not been kind to Iberville, but still he kept a stoical cheerfulness.

With the pride of a man who feels that he has impressed a woman, and knowing the strength of his purpose, he believed that Jessica should yet be his.

Meanwhile matters should not lie still.

In those days men made love by proxy, and Iberville turned to De Casson and Perrot.
The night before he started for France they sat together in a little house flanking the Chateau St.Louis.Iberville had been speaking.
"I know the strength of your feelings, Iberville," said De Casson, "but is it wise, and is it right ?" Iberville made an airy motion with his hand.

"My dear abbe, there is but one thing worth living for, and that is to follow your convictions.