He spoke these words quickly, feverishly, and passionately, seizing her hand in both of his. He had never called her before by her name; but now he called her by it over and over, with loving intonations. Mimi had hardly been prepared for this; but though unprepared, she was not offended. On the contrary, she looked up at him with a face that told him more than words could convey. He could not help reading its eloquent meaning. Her glance penetrated to his heart--her soul spoke to his. He caught her in his arms, and little Mimi leaned her head on his breast and wept.
But from this dream of hope and happiness they were destined to have a sudden and very rude awakening. There was a sound in the shrubbery behind them, and a voice said, in a low, cautious tone,--
At this they both started, and turned. It was the Père Michel.
Both started as they saw him, partly from surprise, and partly, also, from the shock which they felt at the expression of his face. He was pale and agitated, and the calmness and self-control which usually characterized him had departed.
"My dear friend," said Claude, hurriedly, turning towards him and seizing his hand, "what is the matter? Are you not well? Has anything happened? You are agitated. What is the matter?"
"The very worst," said Père Michel--"M. de Cazeneau!"
"Dead? No; he is alive. Worse--he is here--here--in Louisbourg. I have just seen him!"
"What!" cried Claude, starting back, "M. de Cazeneau alive, and here in Louisbourg! How is that possible?"
"I don't know," said the priest. "I only know this, that I have just seen him!"
"No, no," said the priest, hurriedly. "I know him--only too well. I saw him at the Ordnance. He has just arrived. He was brought here by Indians, on a litter. The commandant is even now with him. I saw him go in. I hurried here, for I knew that you were here, to tell you to fly. Fly then, at once, and for your life. I can get you away now, if you fly at once."
"Fly?" repeated Claude, casting a glance at Mimi.
"Yes, fly!" cried the priest, in earnest tones. "Don't think of her, --or, rather, do you, Mimi, if you value his life, urge him, entreat him, pray him to fly. He is lost if he stays. One moment more may destroy him."