The girl was trembling like a bird when the eagle's wings hover over
its nest. "O, why does a great hero like Monsieur address such words
to me? I am only a simple girl, living here upon the plains; besides,
if I could give the brave leader my heart, it would be wrong to do
so, for he is already wedded."
"Do not speak of the ceremonies which men have muttered, binding man
and woman, when the heart cries out. Do not deny me your love my sweet
girl," and the villain once more seized the maiden's waist, and sought
to kiss her lips. But she screamed, and struggled from his embrace.
"Paul, Paul, mon frere, come to me." Her cries speedily brought her
brother. But Monsieur Riel had taken his seat, and he lowered upon
the girl who sat like a frightened fawn upon her chair, her great
eyes glimmering with starting tears.
"What is wrong Annette?" the boy asked, leaning affectionately over
his sister.
"She is not brave Paul. A shadow passed the window which was nothing
more than my own, and she believed it to be that of a hostile Indian."
"What a silly girl you are, Annette," her brother said, softly
smiting her cheek with his finger-tips.
The maiden did not make any explanation, but in a very wretched and
embarrassed way arose and said, "Good night."
Nothing was said about the matter in the morning, and as the girl
passed on her way to milk the cows Riel murmured, "Mademoiselle will not say anything of the cause of her out-cry last
night?"
"I will not Monsieur; if you will promise not to address any words
of love-making to me again."
"I promise nothing, foolish maiden; but I have to ask that you will
not make of Louis Riel an enemy."
When breakfast was ended he perceived Annette rush to the window,
and then hastily and with a dainty coyness withdraw her head from the
pane; and at the same moment he heard a sprightly tune whistle'd.
Looking down the meadow he saw a tall, well-formed young white man, a
gun on his back, and a dog at his heels, walking along the little
path toward the cottage, "This is the lover," he muttered; "curses upon him." From that
moment he hated with all the bitterness of his nature the man now
striding carelessly up towards the cottage door.
"Bonjour, mademoiselle et messieurs" the newcomer said in cheery
tones, as he entered, making a low bow.