Annette - The Metis Spy

"It is discourteous, perhaps, Mademoiselle, that I should not

disclose to you who I am, even though the safety of my present

undertaking demands that I should remain unknown."

"If Monsieur has good reasons, or any reasons, for withholding his

name, I pray that he will not consider himself under any obligation

to reveal it."

"It would be absurd to keep such a secret, Ma petite Brighteye, from

the beautiful daughter of a man so prominent in our holy cause as

Colonel Marton. You this evening entertain, Mademoiselle, none other

than Louis Riel, the Metis chief."

"Monsieur Riel," exclaimed the girl in astonishment, and somewhat in

awe. "Why, we thought that Monsieur was far beyond the prairie,

providing ammunition for the troops."

"I have been there Mademoiselle, and seen every trusty Metis armed,

and ready to follow when the leaders cry Allons!"

Paul, the girl's brother, believed that there had never lived a hero

so brave and so mighty as the man now under his father's roof. As for

poor Annette, she bethought of her outburst of temper and lack of

respect toward the chief; and she trembled to think that she might

have given offense to a man so illustrious, and one who was the head

of the sacred cause of her father and of her people.

"But why should he address a poor simple girl like me?" she mused;

and then as she reflected that the leader had a wife and children in

Montana, and if report spoke true, a half-breed bride in a prairie

village besides, a round red spot came into each cheek and burned

there like a little fire.

The chief watched the changing colour in the maiden's face, and saw

also in the great dark, velvety eyes, the reflection of her thoughts

as they came and went, plainly as you may see the shadows upon an

autumn day chase each other over the prairie meadows.

Paul went out for a little; the chief's companion had retired to his

couch; and Riel was left alone with the girl.

"Mademoiselle must not shrink from me; she is too beautiful to be

unkind. Ah ma petite Amie, those adorable lips of yours are made to

kiss and kiss, not to pout and cry a lover nay. Through this wide

land there is many a maid who would glory in the love, my beautiful

girl, that I offer you." He advanced towards the maid, trembling with

his passion, and dropped upon his knee.

"You would not let me kiss your lovely lips; pray sweet lady of my

heart, let me take your sweet little hand."