Early Candlelight

XV

EE was returning to the Entry in Msieu Page's Dbig canoe. This plan, it must be made clear, had been arranged without her knowledge. When she reached Fort Renville with Mowrie she had been at the point where planning was impossible. Even talking was hard. She had only managed to ask them not to ask about Narcisse, as she gave the child into Msieu Page's arms. Msieu Page had handed him on to Hypolite, and had taken Dee swiftly to the little missionary cabin. As though in a dream she heard him issuing instructions for a hot drink and plenty of blankets. At the moment when she dropped off to sleep between cool scented sheets which had traveled from New England into the Sioux country, she heard his voice again. He had brought some wine, it seemed. The missionary wives, a little shocked, were thanking him. She had slept for a full day-deep, delicious sleepand when she awoke it was to the news that Mowrie had gone back to Fort Snelling. Msieu Page told her, looking out of the window, speaking in a manner which made it plain that he had acted €or practical reasons only. It had been out of the question for her to make the trip, so Mr. Renvillt had xv DEE was returning to the Entry in M'sieu Page's big canoe. This plan, it must be made clear, had been arranged without her knowledge. When she reached Fort Renville with Mowrie she had been at the point where planning was impossible. Even talking was hard. She had only managed to ask them not to ask about Narcisse, as she gave the child into M'sieu Page's arms. M'sieu Page had handed him on to Hypolite, and had taken Dee swiftly to the little missionary cabin. As though in a dream she heard him issuing instructions for a hot drink and plenty of blankets. At the moment when she dropped off to sleep between cool scented sheets which had traveled from New England into the Sioux country, she heard his voice again. He had brought some wine, it seemed. The missionary wives, a little shocked, were thanking him. She had slept for a full day-deep, delicious sleep-and when she awoke it was to the news that Mowrie had gone back to Fort Snelling. M'sieu Page told her, looking out of the window, speaking in a manner which made it plain that he had acted for practical reasons only. It had been out of the question for her to make the trip, so Mr. Renville had 300 xv DEE was returning to the Entry in M'sieu Page's big canoe. This plan, it must be made clear, had been arranged without her knowledge. When she reached Fort Renville with Mowrie she had been at the point where planning was impossible. Even talking was hard. She had only managed to ask them not to ask about Narcisse, as she gave the child into M'sieu Page's arms. M'sieu Page had handed him on to Hypolite, and had taken Dee swiftly to the little missionary cabin. As though in a dream she heard him issuing instructions for a hot drink and plenty of blankets. At the moment when she dropped off to sleep between cool scented sheets which had traveled from New England into the Sioux country, she heard his voice again. He had brought some wine, it seemed. The missionary wives, a little shocked, were thanking him. She had slept for a full day-deep, delicious sleep-and when she awoke it was to the news that Mowrie had gone back to Fort Snelling. M'sieu Page told her, looking out of the window, speaking in a manner which made it plain that he had acted for practical reasons only. It had been out of the question for her to make the trip, so Mr. Renville had EARLY CANDLELIGHT 30’ loaned a charette, and Hypolite, George and Lafe had gone on with the child. Dee looked troubled. “But was he willing to go? He is a very timid little boy.” “Perfectly willing He took a fancy to Hypolite. I could not wait any longer to send him. I knew the parents would be anxious.” “Of course.” Although this had been a most indirect reference to Mrs. Boles, Dee felt herself flushing. Fortunately Msieu Page was not looking at her. ‘‘I told Hypolite,” he went on, “that...