midday
They brought up many minor points and gave belts in confirmation . Kondiaronk 's clan were openly friendly , openly touched by Cadillac 's speech , and when one of the Baron 's band took the cue and gave a wampum necklace , `` to deter the French brothers from unkind thoughts , '' I felt that the worst of the day was over , and welcomed the Ottawa speakers with a relaxation of the tension that had held me , for I had been upon the rack . Mind and ear had been taxed to miss no word or intonation , for a slighted syllable might lose our cause . The speeches had droned like flies at midday , but all the verbiage had been heavy with significance . I spoke French , Huron , and Ottawa in turn , and through it all I listened , listened for the opening of the door . For Cadillac had told me that Madame de Montlivet had asked if she might come in for a moment and listen to the council , and he had referred the matter to me . It had seemed a strange request , but I could see no reason for refusing it .