,--at present."

They seemed to understand each other fully. "It is over with now," said
Bigot. "I swear to you, Angelique, I did not mean to offend you,--you
cut deep."

"Pshaw!" retorted she, smiling. "Wounds by a lady are easily cured: they
seldom leave a mark behind, a month after."

"I don't know that. The slight repulse of a lady's finger--a touch
that would not crush a gnat--will sometimes kill a strong man like a
sword-stroke. I have known such things to happen," said Bigot.

"Well, happily, my touch has not hurt you, Chevalier. But, having
vindicated myself, I feel I owe you reparation. You speak of rescuing Le
Gardeur from the Honnetes Gens. In what way can I aid you?"

"In many ways and all ways. Withdraw him from them. The great festival
at the Philiberts--when is it to be?"

"To-morrow! See, they have honored me with a special invitation." She
drew a note from her pocket. "This is very polite of Colonel Philibert,
is it not?" said she.

Bigot glanced superciliously at the note. "Do you mean to go,
Angelique?" asked he.

"No; although, had I no feelings but my own to consult, I would
certainly go."

"Whose feelings do you consult, Angelique," asked the Intendant, "if not
your own?"

"Oh, don't be flattered,--the Grand Company's! I am loyal to the
association without respect to persons."

"So much the better," said he. "By the way, it would not be amiss to
keep Le Gardeur away from the festival. These Philiberts and the heads
of the Honnetes Gens have great sway over him."

"Naturally; they are all his own kith and kin. But I will draw him away,
if you desire it. I cannot prevent his going, but I can find means
to prevent his staying!" added she, with a smile of confidence in her
power.

"That will do, Angelique,--anything to make a breach between them!"

While there were abysses in Bigot's mind which Angelique could not
fathom, as little did Bigot suspect that, when Angelique seemed to
flatter him by yielding to his suggestions, she was following out a
course she had already decided upon in her own mind from the moment she
had learned that Cecile Tourangeau was to be at the festival of Belmont,
with unlimited opportunities of explanation with Le Gardeur as to her
treatment by Angelique.

The Intendant, after some pleasant badinage, rose and took his
departure, leaving Angelique agitated, puzzled, and dissatisfied, on the
whole, with his visit. She reclined on the seat, resting her head on