The Flash From the Spurt of Flame

The presence of the women in the settlement brought about a magic
change. Beards were clipped, locks were trimmed, clothes overhauled,
and the needle and thread performed an almost forgotten office; the
jest was modified, and the meal hours were quiet and decorous. The
women were given a separate cabin in which they were to sleep, and
every one contributed something toward their comfort. Father Le
Mercier even went so far as to delay mass the first morning in order
that the women might be thoroughly rested. Thus, a grain of humor
entered into the lives of these grim men.

"Madame," said the Chevalier, "permit me to felicitate you upon your
extraordinary escape." This was said during the first morning.

Madame courtesied. Her innate mockery was always near the surface.

"Will you grant me the pleasure of showing you the mission?"

"No, Monsieur le Chevalier; Monsieur de Saumaise and Brother Jacques
have already offered to do that service. Monsieur," decidedly, "is it
to be peace or war?"

"Should I be here else?"

"Else what, peace or war?"

"Neither. I shall know no peace. I have followed you, as I said,
though indirectly."

"Ah! then you really followed me this time? Did you read that letter
which I sent to you?"

"Letter? I have seen no letter from you."

"I believe I sent you one . . . after that morning."

"I have not seen it."

She breathed a sigh of relief. He did not know, then? So the comedy
must go on as of old. "So you followed me," as if musing.