This treaty, for a time, seemed almost fatal to the prospects of La Tour.  It restrained the colonists from rendering him any further assistance; and there was every probability that D’Aulney would at length effect his long meditated designs against fort St. John’s.  Stanhope felt much anxiety respecting Lucie’s situation; but as winter was now rapidly approaching, it was hardly possible that any hostile operations would be commenced, before the return of spring.  That period, he trusted, would fulfil the hopes which she had sanctioned, and place her under his own protection; and, through the autumn, he had the satisfaction of hearing frequently from her, by means of the vessels which continued to trade at the river, with La Tour.  With extreme surprise, he learned that she had discovered her father, in the mysterious priest; and, strange as the connection seemed, he felt a satisfaction, in knowing that she could claim a natural guardian, till he was permitted to remove her from a situation, which was so constantly exposed to danger.

CHAPTER XXII.

        The wars are over,
          The spring is come;
        The bride and her lover
          Have sought their home: 
    They are happy, we rejoice;
    Let their hearts have an echo in every voice!

        LORD BYRON.

Never did months revolve more slowly, than through that winter, to the impatient Stanhope.  During its inclemency, all communication with the French settlements ceased, and he, of course, heard nothing of Lucie,—­a suspension of intercourse which was almost insupportable.  By the earliest approach of spring, however, the traders and fishermen again adventured their barks on the stormy bay of Fundy, and the icy shores of Newfoundland.  Boston harbor, which had been sealed, for several months, by the severe cold, then characteristic of the climate, was freed by the bright sun and genial gales of that vernal season.  Numerous vessels floated on its dancing waves; and all around, the adjacent shores were teeming with sights and sounds of rural industry.

It was shortly rumored, that M. d’Aulney was preparing to attack fort St. John’s; some even affirmed, that his vessels had already been seen, hovering near the entrance of the river.  Stanhope’s extreme anxiety could brook no farther delay; and, under such circumstances, he felt acquitted of the obligation which Lucie’s request had imposed on him, and at liberty to anticipate a few weeks of the time appointed for his return to her.  Early in April, therefore, he embarked in a neat pinnace, and after a short voyage, reached the rugged coast of Acadia.  Daylight was closing, as he approached St. John’s; but fortunately the clear twilight served to show him the changes which had taken place there.  Several armed vessels blockaded the river, and the standard of M. d’Aulney waved triumphantly from the walls of the fort.