The Forge in the Forest

Abbé Comes

by side with fair salmon from the Tantramar and bursting-fat plover from the Joli-Coeur marshes. Nor of the good red wine of Burgundy which so enhanced the relish of those delectable birds,-and of which I might perhaps have drunk more sparingly had good Providence but made me more abste

weed, and tongues wagged something more loosely than before. There were songs,-catches from the banks of Rhone, rolling ballads

ndering, with most commendable taste and spirit, the

che en t

ire de belle

boire a v

n ne le pe

rs. But suddenly, though there was no noise to draw them, all eyes turned to the doorway, and the singer paused in his song. I tipped my chair back into the

none other than th

oyance. The Abbé, it was plain, found small favour in that company. But to do him justice, he seemed but little careful to court favour. He stood in the doorway, frowning, a piercin

have said my word to you I will get me to the house of one of my flock, and sup plainly, and take what rest I may, for at dawn I must set out

private, Father?" asked de R

on his father's estate at Canard, and left him under guard while I went to attend to other business. I found upon his person cle

you, Monsieur l'Abbé, to remember on all occasions that I

ut a slight smile, which uncovered his strong yellow teeth on one side, l

followers by a trick, and carried off the prisoner. But I have despatched a strong part

lently with mingled rage and amazement, and following his g

," said he, "having made haste t

egan to understand the situation. I, too, rose to my feet, smiling expectantly. The priest's narrow eyes me

pointing a yellow finger of denunciation across the table at Marc, while the revell

ainst French gentlemen, and friends of the Commander; have you proofs-such as will

ore self-control, but still far unlike the cool, inexorable, smiling cynic who had

e them, too," in

at me, and then

ss find the proofs upon his person, if he has not taken the pains to dispose of them." Upon this insolent speech, de Ramezay took his seat, and left the priest standing alon

of your office. Your soutane saves you from being called to account by the gentleman whose honour you have aspersed. Monsieur Marc de Mer is the son of my friend. He is also one of my aides-de-cam

faces confronting him-"on the contrary, your meaning altogether escapes me, Monsieur. All that I understand of your singul

cid, "that if this young man is further troubled by any of your faithful Shubenacadie flock, I will hold you resp

he Abbé, now finely tranquil. "I wash my hands of al

ance around the room. Last, his eyes rested upon mine and leaped with a sudden light of triumph, so that one might have tho

rture; but I heard it as in a dream, being wrapped up

rd Marc inquiring presently. Whereupon I came to myself w

amber where our pallets were stretched. There we

, my Tamin?

e drollness all chased out of th

and what of him? He is repenting to-night that

in my heart I was still troubled to k

eat my heart out: and I stood there, and shook. Then, of a sudden, his face changed. It became like a good priest's face when he says the prayer for the soul that is passing; and he looked at me with solemn eyes. And I was yet more afraid. 'It is not for me to rebuke y

n me with a chill, "he said it to spoil your sleep and poison your content. It wa

that the Black Abbé was a prophet? Faith, 'tis as Father says, a cunning

tened mightily, but he

say indeed,-the Black Abbé is no prophet. Had it been Gr?l, n

said it," muttered Marc, c

something impatien

n to dream of it. The white sheet of moonlight that lay across my couch became a drift of snow with blood upon it, and the p

ried softly, "

ad," said I.

me, in his going. He had such a countenance as warns me that he purpose

I that balked him. What

t I should have turned that

ul lightness, like froth upon the strong emotion that flooded my heart. "When the Black Abb

s we sink or swim together,

leep to you, and dreams of red hair!" said I