All that is over; one doesnot love a woman who has
been dead for nearly twenty years.
This vow he recorded in writing, and he sent copies
of it to hisbrethren in Kebec. They brought me word, out to Michilimackinac,so I
returned to Montreal in March. Itwas not until he greeted Madame Pommier that he
recovered his highspirits.
Poor sinner, she said, poor sinner, whoever you
are, may God havemercy upon you!
Auclair went back to the kitchen, and Cécile ran in
withoutstopping to take off her tablier.
He was one of the unfortunate ofthis world. You are
so much better, that I can make myvisit to the Hôtel Dieu this morning. I only
wanted to die and forget that I had ever hoped foranything in this
world.
Auclair started, but he caught himself
quickly.
All missionaries havethat anguish at times, but
with Chabanel it was continual. Pierres boat was a light shallop with one sail. Her
father laughed as he carried her back to bed.
Cécile slipped her hand into Charrons, and they
went out into thestreet. All the afternoon Cécile thought she was in paradise.
Ishould think it would be easier to starve.
I am afraid noteven the Jesuits could do
that!
I had my fur jacket on and a flask of brandy in my
pocket,and I needed both. Well, I hid myself in the church and saw her. Across the
Mediterranean to Algérie, where the orangesgrow.
Oh father, why were you so long with Blinker, and
what was hetelling you? I only wanted to die and forget that I had ever hoped
foranything in this world.
It was one of themedicinal plants of the New World
in which he had great faith. Auclair had meant to bring out someold brandy to
flavour their talk, but he thought: No, betternot.
My father used to boast thatin Languedoc you were
never out of sight of a field or a vineyard. The smith had noson, but four little
girls.
Heshut his eyes and dropped his head in his hands.
It was one of themedicinal plants of the New World in which he had great faith. Oh,
Pierre, have you been to the great falls again, andMichilimackinac? You see, there
are allthose early memories; one cannot get another set; one has
butthose.
She walked on and shut the grille behind her.