This eBook was produced by Andrew Sly
By Gilbert Parker
XXV In the cathedral
XXVI The secret of the tapestry
XXVII A side-wind of revenge
XXVIII "To cheat the Devil yet"
XXIX "Master Devil" Doltaire
XXX "Where all the lovers can hide"
Appendix—Excerpt from 'The Scot in New France'
I awoke with the dawn, and, dressing, looked out of the window,seeing the brindled light spread over the battered roofs and ruinsof the Lower Town. A bell was calling to prayers in the JesuitCollege not far away, and bugle-calls told of the stirringgarrison. Soldiers and stragglers passed down the street near by,and a few starved peasants crept about the cathedral with downcasteyes, eager for crumbs that a well-fed soldier might cast aside.Yet I knew that in the Intendant's Palace and among the officersof the army there was abundance, with revelry and dissipation.
Presently I drew to the trap-door of my loft, and, raising itgently, came down the ladder to the little hallway, and softlyopened the door of the room where Labrouk's body lay. Candleswere burning at his head and his feet, and two peasants sat dozingin chairs near by. I could see Labrouk's face plainly in theflickering light: a rough, wholesome face it was, refined by death,yet unshaven and unkempt, too. Here was work for Voban's shears andrazor. Presently there was a footstep behind me, and, turning, Isaw in the half-light the widowed wife.
"Madame," said I in a whisper, "I too weep with you. I pray foras true an end for myself."
"He was of the true faith, thank the good God," she saidsincerely. She passed into the room, and the two watchers, aftertaking refreshment, left the house. Suddenly she hastened to thedoor, called one back, and, pointing to the body, whisperedsomething. The peasant nodded and turned away. She came back intothe room, stood looking at the face of the dead man for a moment,and bent over and kissed the crucifix clasped in the cold hands.Then she stepped about the room, moving a chair and sweeping up aspeck of dust in a mechanical way. Presently, as if she againremembered me, she asked me to enter the room. Then she bolted theouter door of the house. I stood looking at the body of her husband,and said, "Were it not well to have Voban the barber?"
"I have sent for him and for Gabord," she replied. "Gabord was
Jean's good friend. He is with General Montcalm. The Governor put
him in prison because of the marriage of Mademoiselle Duvarney, but
Monsieur Doltaire set him free, and now he serves General Montcalm.
"I have work in the cathedral," continued the poor woman, "and Ishall go to it this morning as I have always gone. There is alittle unused closet in a gallery where you may hide, and still seeall that happens. It is your last look at the lady, and I will giveit to you, as you gave me to know of my Jean."
"My last look?" I asked eagerly.
"She goes into the nunnery to-morrow, they say," was the reply."Her marriage is to be set aside by the bishop to-day—in thecathedral. This is her last night to live as such as I—but no,she will be happier so."
"Madame," said I, "I am a heretic, but I listened when yourhusband said, 'Mon grand