Colonel Philibert and Le Gardeur rode rapidly through the forest of
Beaumanoir, pulling up occasionally in an eager and sympathetic
exchange of questions and replies, as they recounted the events of
their lives since their separation, or recalled their school-days
and glorious holidays and rambles in the woods of Tilly--with
frequent mention of their gentle, fair companion, Amelie de
Repentigny, whose name on the lips of her brother sounded sweeter
than the chime of the bells of Charlebourg to the ear of Pierre
Philibert.
The bravest man in New France felt a tremor in his breast as he
asked Le Gardeur a seemingly careless question--seemingly, for, in
truth, it was vital in the last degree to his happiness, and he knew
it. He expressed a fear that Amelie would have wholly forgotten him
after so long an absence from New France.
His heart almost ceased beating as he waited the reply of Le
Gardeur, which came impetuously: "Forgotten you, Pierre Philibert?
She would forget me as soon! But for you she would have had no
brother to-day, and in her prayers she ever remembers both of us--
you by right of a sister's gratitude, me because I am unworthy of
her saintly prayers and need them all the more! O Pierre Philibert,
you do not know Amelie if you think she is one ever to forget a
friend like you!"
The heart of Philibert gave a great leap for joy.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174