I should
esteem it my duty all the more to go, if there be danger, which I
cannot believe."
"Oh, that Pierre were here to accompany you! But at least take some
servants with you, master," implored the dame, persisting in her
request.
"Good dame, I cannot consult fear when I have duty to perform;
besides, I am in no danger. I have enemies enough, I know; but he
would be a bold man who would assail the Bourgeois Philibert in the
open market-place of Quebec."
"Yet there may be such a bold man, master," replied she. "There
are many such men who would consider they did the Intendant and
themselves good service by compassing your destruction!"
"May be so, dame; but I should be a mark of scorn for all men if I
evaded a duty, small or great, through fear of the Intendant or any
of his friends."
"I knew my appeal would be in vain, master, but forgive my anxiety.
God help you! God defend you!"
She looked at him fixedly for a moment. He saw her features were
quivering with emotion and her eyes filled with tears.
"Good dame," said he kindly, taking her hand, "I respect your
motives, and will so far show my regard for your forecast of danger
as to take my sword, which, after a good conscience, is the best
friend a gentleman can have to stand by him in peril.
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