“A good trip,” answered Francois.  “No, not very good.  One of the Belgians took a fever and nearly died.  After that it was rather late in the season; many Indian families had already gone down to Ste. Anne de Chicoutimi and could not be found; and on top of it all a canoe was wrecked when running a rapid on the way back, and it was hard work fishing the pelts out of the river, without mentioning the fact that one of the bosses was nearly drowned,-the same one that had the fever.  No, we were unlucky all through.  But here we are none the less, and it is always another job over and done with.”  A gesture signified to the listeners that the task was completed, the wages paid and the ultimate profits or losses not his affair.

“Always another job over and done with,"-he slowly repeated the words.  “The Belgians were in a hurry to reach Peribonka on Sunday, tomorrow; but, as they had another man, I left them to finish the journey without me so that I might spend the evening with you.  It does one’s heart good to see a house again.”

His glance strayed contentedly over the meager smoke-filled interior and those who peopled it.  In the circle of faces tanned by wind and sun, his was the brownest and most weather-beaten; his garments showed many rents, one side of the, torn woollen jersey flapped upon his shoulder, moccasins replaced the long boots he had worn in the spring.  He seemed to have brought back something of natures wildness from the head-waters Of the rivers where the Indians and the great creatures of the woods find sanctuary.  And Maria, whose life would not allow her to discern the beauty of that wilderness because it lay too near her, yet felt that some strange charm was at work and was throwing its influence about her.

Esdras had gone for the cards; cards with faded red backs and dog-eared corners, where the lost queen of hearts was replaced by a square of pink cardboard bearing the plainly-written legend dame de cour.  They played at quatre-sept.  The two Surprenants, uncle and nephew, had Madame Chapdelaine and Maria for partners; after each table and game the beaten couple left the table and gave place to two other players.  Night had fallen; some mosquitos made their way through the open window and went hither and thither with their stings and irritating music.

“Telesphore!” called out Esdras, “see to the smudge, the flies are coming in.”  In a few minutes smoke pervaded the house again, thick, almost stifling, but greeted with delight.  The party ran its quiet course.  An hour of cards, some talk with a visitor who bears news from the great world, these are still accounted happiness in the Province of Quebec.

Between the games, Lorenzo Surprenant entertained Maria with a description of his life and his journeyings; in turn asking questions about her.  He was far from putting on airs, yet she felt disconcerted at finding so little to say, and her replies were halting and timid.