nt it, Chevalier," replied
she, warmly. She was indeed grateful for the implied compliment to
Le Gardeur. "No one will be better pleased at his good fortune than
myself."

"I thought so. It was partly my business to tell you of our intentions
towards Le Gardeur."

"Indeed!" replied she, in a tone of pique. "I flattered myself your
visit was all on my own account, Chevalier."

"So it was." Bigot felt himself on rather soft ground. "Your brother,
the Chevalier des Meloises, has doubtless consulted you upon the plan of
life he has sketched out for both of you?"

"My good brother sketches so many plans of life that I really am not
certain I know the one you refer to." She guessed what was coming, and
held her breath hard until she heard the reply.

"Well, you of course know that his plan of life depends mainly upon an
alliance between yourself and the Chevalier de Repentigny."

She gave vent to her anger and disappointment. She rose up suddenly,
and, grasping the Intendant's arm fiercely, turned him half round in
her vehemence. "Chevalier Bigot! did you come here to propose for me on
behalf of Le Gardeur de Repentigny?"

"Pardon me, Mademoiselle; it is no proposal of mine,--on behalf of Le
Gardeur. I sanctioned his promotion. Your brother, and the Grand Company
generally, would prefer the alliance. I don't!" He said this with a
tone of meaning which Angelique was acute enough to see implied Bigot's
unwillingness to her marrying any man--but himself, was the addendum she
at once placed to his credit. "I regret I mentioned it," continued he,
blandly, "if it be contrary to your wishes."

"It is contrary to my wishes," replied she, relaxing her clutch of his
arm. "Le Gardeur de Repentigny can speak for himself. I will not allow
even my brother to suggest it; still less will I discuss such a subject
with the Chevalier Bigot."

"I hope you will pardon me, Mademoiselle--I will not call you Angelique
until you are pleased with me again. To be sure, I should never have
forgiven you had you conformed to your brother's wishes. It was what I
feared might happen, and I--I wished to try you; that was all!"

"It is dangerous trying me, Chevalier," replied she, resuming her seat
with some heat. "Don't try me again, or I shall take Le Gardeur out of
pure SPITE," she said. Pure love was in her mind, but the other word
came from her lips. "I will do all I can to rescue him from the Honnetes
Gens, but not by marrying him, Chevalier