She was very quiet, very pale,
yet the plumbless grief of her eyes brought tears to Hulm's face. She
stood for a moment in deep thought.
"Is your brother Aaron in Boston, Hulm?" she asked presently.
"He is below, dear mistress."
"Ask him to step to the dining-room. And that done, please go to my
father. And, Hulm, dear creature, you can aid me better if you do not
weep."
She then passed down a side staircase and entered the dining-room. A
moment afterwards Aaron Hulm came in.
"Aaron," she said, as he stood confused before her misery, "know you the
way to Quebec?"
"Indeed, madame, very well. Madame, I am sorry--"
"Let us not dwell upon it, Aaron. Can you get a few men together to go
there?"
"Within an hour."
"Very well, I shall be ready."
"You, madame--ready? You do not think of going?"
"Yes, I am going."
"But, madame, it is not safe. The Abenaquis and Iroquois are not
friendly, and--"
"Is this friendly? Is it like a good friend, Aaron Hulm? Did I not
nurse your mother when--"
He dropped on one knee, took her hand and kissed it. "Madame," he said
loyally, "I will do anything you ask; I feared only for your safety.
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