Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/83

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THE MOHICANS.
77

his age, and it may be added, in the zenith of his fortunes. But even in that enviable situation, he was affable, and distinguished as much for his attention to the forms of courtesy, as for that chivalrous courage, which, only two short years afterwards, induced him to throw away his life, on the plains of Abraham. Duncan, in turning his eyes from the malign expression of Magua, suffered them to rest with pleasure on the smiling and polished features, and the noble, military air of the French general.

"Monsieur," said the latter, "J'ai beaucoup de plaisir à—bah!—où est cet interpréte?"

"Je crois, monsieur, qu'il ne sera pas nécessaire," Heyward modestly replied; "je parle un peu Français."

"Ah! j'en suis bien aise," said Montcalm, taking Duncan familiarly by the arm, and leading him deep into the marquee, a little out of ear-shot; "je déteste ces fripons là; on ne sait jamais sur quel piè on est avec eux. Eh bien! monsieur," he continued, still speaking in French;