She turned with the fury of a young tigress, as she told him he only talked to her to pass the time away. But suddenly she broke down, and burst into tears as she covered her face with her hands.

“I love you, Belle Marie!” said the officer, in earnest tones.

“Love me?” she criede“An Indian maid? A forest girl? Why, your people would scorn you for it.”

“My people are nothing to me now,” he sadly replied—then drawing near, he asked, “Will you marry me, Belle Marie P”

But she bounded off, and disappeared without reply.

One morning, some days after this, she stood at the opening of his tent. “Yes, I will be your wife,” she exclaimed, Hif you love me, and me only! " ,

Another chapter now opens, for the old chief demurred. “Belle Marie must marry a brave of her own race,” he declared.

But finally the love of the Frenchman prevailed, and the old chief consented to the marriage.

In the meantime Belle Marie’s former suitor, the jealous one who had interfered in the early days, seemed to take it all in good part.

One day as the happy girl was walking in the distant woods she came across her affianced, struck down and dying in the snow. \\'ith bursting heart she staggered homewards, bearing him in her arms. Senseless and almost gone, she nursed him back to life, assisted by her kind—hearted father. W'ith loving devotion, and with just enough of sleep and food to maintain life, she nursed the wounded man to complete recovery.

The wedding was now decided upon without further delay, and one bright spring morning the ceremony took place in the little church that had been decorated with ferns and wild-flowers.

Under a bower of leafy branches and fragrant bloom the happy pair stood. Dozens of canoes lined the shore, and the wedding fes- tivities were well underway. The low sobbing heard from the assem- bled tribe as Belle Marie stood at the altar by the side of the man of her choice told how much the darling of her tribe would be missed.

Scarce was the ceremony ended, and the two turned away from the altar,4wherI with a cry that resounded far and near—a cry that pierced the hearts of’all'who heard itfland one that sent a thrill of terror to all, Marie threw herself before her husband, shielding him from View; but not before an arrow, sped with the sure aim that hatred and revenge could prompt, had found its resting place in her heart instead 'of his.

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