rapidly through the streets many an ill wish followed him,
until he dismounted before the mansion of the Des Meloises.

"As I live, it is the Royal Intendant himself," screamed Lizette, as she
ran, out of breath, to inform her mistress, who was sitting alone in the
summer-house in the garden behind the mansion, a pretty spot tastefully
laid out with flower beds and statuary. A thick hedge of privet,
cut into fantastic shapes by some disciple of the school of Lenotre,
screened it from the slopes that ran up towards the green glacis of Cape
Diamond.

Angelique looked beautiful as Hebe the golden-haired, as she sat in the
arbor this morning. Her light morning dress of softest texture fell in
graceful folds about her exquisite form. She held a Book of Hours in her
hand, but she had not once opened it since she sat down. Her dark eyes
looked not soft, nor kindly, but bright, defiant, wanton, and even
wicked in their expression, like the eyes of an Arab steed, whipped,
spurred, and brought to a desperate leap--it may clear the wall before
it, or may dash itself dead against the stones. Such was the temper of
Angelique this morning.

Hard thoughts and many respecting the Lady of Beaumanoir, fond almost
savage regret at her meditated rejection of De Repentigny, glittering
images of the royal Intendant and of the splendors of Versailles, passed
in rapid succession through her brain, forming a phantasmagoria in which
she colored everything according to her own fancy. The words of her maid
roused her in an instant.

"Admit the Intendant and show him into the garden, Lizette. Now!" said
she, "I shall end my doubts about that lady! I will test the Intendant's
sincerity,--cold, calculating woman-slayer that he is! It shames me to
contrast his half-heartedness with the perfect adoration of my handsome
Le Gardeur de Repentigny!"

The Intendant entered the garden. Angelique, with that complete
self-control which distinguishes a woman of half a heart or no heart at
all, changed her whole demeanor in a moment from gravity to gayety.
Her eyes flashed out pleasure, and her dimples went and came, as she
welcomed the Intendant to her arbor.

"A friend is never so welcome as when he comes of his own accord!"
said she, presenting her hand to the Intendant, who took it with
empressement. She made room for him on the seat beside her, dashing her
skirts aside somewhat ostentatiously.

Bigot looked at her admiringly. He thought he had never