It would have been impossible not to respond to his humor and
good-nature, even had the girl been desirous of doing otherwise. From
the first I felt that she liked this reckless courtier, whose easy
words and actions made me realize more deeply than ever my own
heaviness of thought and wit.

As he stood there now, bowing low before her, his clothing awry and his
long hair in disorder from our fierce contest, she smiled upon him
graciously, and extended a hand that he was prompt enough to accept and
hold.

"Surely," she said mockingly, "no maid, even in the glorious days of
chivalry, had ever more heroic figures to do battle for her honor. I
accept the _amende_, Monsieur, and henceforth enroll you as knight at
my court. Upon my word," and she looked about at the desolate
sand-heaps surrounding us, "'tis not much to boast of here; nor, in
truth, is Dearborn greatly better."

She paused, drawing her hand gently from his grasp, and holding it out
toward me.

"Yet, Captain," she continued, glancing at him archly over her
shoulder, "I have likewise another knight, this wood ranger, who hath
also won my deep regard and gratitude."

De Croix scowled, and twisted his short mustache nervously.

"You put a thorn beside every rose," he muttered. "'T was your way in
Montreal."