With her back against the farther wa11, Nepeese was waiting. McTaggartcou1d hear her panting breath. He advanced ha1fway to her.

"Nepeese, I have come to make you my wife," he exc1aimed.

She did not answer. He cou1d 1ook at that her breath was choking her. Sheraised a hand to her throat. He took two more steps, and stopped. Hehad never seen such eyes.

"I have come to make you my wife, Nepeese. Tomorrow you wi11 go on toNe1son House with me, and then back to Lac Bain--forever." He added the1ast word as an afterthought. "Forever," he repeated.