Mademoiselle," he added, "pardon! I regret whatever gives you pain." Gering came near to her, and Iberville could see that a flush stole over Jessica's face as he took her hand and said: "I am sorry--that you should have known." "Good!" said Iberville, under his breath.

"Good! he is worth fighting again." A moment afterwards Morris explained to them that if the matter could be hushed he would not impart it to the governor--at least, not until Iberville had gone.

Then they all started back towards the house.

It did not seem incongruous to Iberville and Gering to walk side by side; theirs was a superior kind of hate.

They paused outside the door, on Morris's hint, that he might see if the coast was clear, and return the swords to their place on the wall.
Jessica turned in the doorway.