How Gabrielle Diane de Montbazon Loved

"Monsieur," said Breton timidly, "will you do me the honor to tell me
what has happened? Monsieur de Saumaise, the vicomte and Monsieur
d'Hérouville; they are not with you?"

"Well, lad, perhaps it is due you;" and the Chevalier recounted a
simple story of what had befallen him.

"Ah, that brave Monsieur de Saumaise!" exclaimed Breton, tears in his
eyes. "And what became of the grey cloak, Monsieur?"

The Chevalier did not immediately reply.

"What became of it, Monsieur?"

"The Vicomte d'Halluys sleeps in it, lad. It is his shroud."

And not another word spoke the Chevalier to Breton that night. He sat
before the bright chimney: old scenes, old scenes, with the gay poet
moving blithely among them. Madame had heard the vicomte's insults,
but now there was nothing to explain to her. What should he do with
his useless life? There was no future; everything beyond was dark with
monotony. It was a cruel revenge madame had taken, but she had asked
his forgiveness, and he had forgiven. Would she return to France in
the spring? Would she become a nun? Would his father live or die, and
would he send for him? The winter wind sang in the chimney and the
windows shuddered. He looked out. It was the storm of the winds which
bring no snow. Nine o'clock! How long the nights would be now, having
no dreams!

There came presently a timorous knocking on the panels of the door.
Only Breton heard it, and he rose silently to answer this delicate
summons. He looked at his master. The Chevalier was deep in his
melancholy recollections. It seemed to Breton that Quebec was filled
with phantoms: he had listened to so many strange noises these lonely
nights, waiting and hoping for his master's return. He was not sure
that this gentle rapping was not a deception. Besides, it was past
nine. Who could be calling this time of night? A trooper or an
officer would have put the full weight of his fist against the door.
He stopped and put his hand to his ear. The knocking came again.
Breton opened the door quietly, and to his unbounded surprise a woman
entered. She pointed toward the hall. Breton, comprehending that she
wished to be alone with his master, tiptoed out; and the door closed.