When Perrot faced her, she gave a little cry and started back.

But presently she recovered, smiled at him, and said kindly: "You come suddenly, monsieur." "Yet have I travelled hard and long," he answered.
"Yes ?" "And I have a message for you." "A message ?" she said abstractedly, and turned a little pale.
"A message and a gift from Monsieur Iberville." He drew the letter and the ring from his pocket and held them out, repeating Iberville's message.

There was a troubled look in her eyes and she was trembling a little now, but she spoke clearly.
"Monsieur," she said, "you will tell Monsieur Iberville that I may not; I am married." "So, madame," he said.

"But I still must give my message." When he had done so he said: "Will you take the letter ?" He held it out.
There was a moment's doubt and then she took it, but she did not speak.
"Shall I carry no message, madame ?" She hesitated.

Then, at last: "Say that I wish him good fortune--with all my heart." "Good fortune--ah, madame!" he answered, in a meaning tone.
"Say that I pray God may bless him, and make him a friend of my country," she added in a low, almost broken voice, and she held out her hand to him.
The gallant woodsman pressed it to his lips.