hast held converse with Philippe Beaucoeur, who is half French and
lives in the woods like an Indian.

RENOUNCE
(with spirit).
I will hold converse with whom I please, Tabitha Brett. French or no
French, Philippe Beaucoeur is a brave lad, and there is naught about
the wild things that he does not know. 'Twas because he lives in the
forest and not in Salem Town as we do.

TABITHA
(in an awed voice).
Have you ever seen the place where Philippe lives? Barbara Williams
says it a fearsome spot. The forests about it are all black and solemn,
and the pines seem to whisper together, and there Philippe dwells in a
hut he himself hath builded.

RENOUNCE (sagely).
They say he hath dwelt alone there ever since his father died. Think of
it! In the forest! I should fear the Indians! But then, I am not like
Betty Hubbard, who hath no fears at all. And as for Philippe Beaucoeur,
there is naught that can make _him_ tremble. He says that 'tis on
account of his "ancestree." And then he laughs and makes a gesture:
"Blue blood of France is never chilled by terror, Mistress."

TABITHA.
"Blue blood of France--!" Who ever heard the like? I never saw blue
blood, nor didst thou! The color of blood is scarlet, as thou knowest
right well. Prick thy finger and see!