ot mean to lose!" added she, with an inconsequence that fitted ill
with her resolution regarding the Intendant. But Angelique was one
who reconciled to herself all professions, however opposite or however
incongruous.

A hasty knock at the door of the mansion, followed by the quick,
well-known step up the broad stair, brought Le Gardeur into
her presence. He looked flushed and disordered as he took her
eagerly-extended hand and pressed it to his lips.

Her whole aspect underwent a transformation in the presence of her
lover. She was unfeignedly glad to see him. Without letting go his
hand she led him to the sofa, and sat down by him. Other men had the
semblance of her graciousness, and a perfect imitation it was too; but
he alone had the reality of her affection.

"O Le Gardeur!" exclaimed she, looking him through and through, and
detecting no flaw in his honest admiration, "can you forgive me
for asking you to come and see me to-night? and for absolutely no
reason--none in the world, Le Gardeur, but that I longed to see you! I
was jealous of Belmont for drawing you away from the Maison des Meloises
to-night!"

"And what better reason could I have in the world than that you were
longing to see me, Angelique? I think I should leave the gate of Heaven
itself if you called me back, darling! Your presence for a minute is
more to me than hours of festivity at Belmont, or the company of any
other woman in the world."

Angelique was not insensible to the devotion of Le Gardeur. Her feelings
were touched, and never slow in finding an interpretation for them she
raised his hand quickly to her lips and kissed it. "I had no motive
in sending for you but to see you, Le Gardeur!" said she; "will that
content you? If it won't--"

"This shall," replied he, kissing her cheek--which she was far from
averting or resenting.

"That is so like you, Le Gardeur!" replied she,--"to take before it
is given!" She stopped--"What was I going to say?" added she. "It was
given, and my contentment is perfect to have you here by my side!" If
her thoughts reverted at this moment to the Intendant it was with a
feeling of repulsion, and as she looked fondly on the face of Le Gardeur
she could not help contrasting his handsome looks with the hard, swarthy
features of Bigot.

"I wish my contentment were perfect, Angelique; but it is in your power
to make it so--will you? Why keep me forever on the threshold of my
happiness, or of my despair, whi