He was too thoroughly a libertine of the
period to feel any moral compunction for any excess he committed.
He was habitually more ready to glory over his conquests, than to
deny or extenuate them. But in this case he had, to the surprise of
Cadet, been very reticent, and shy of speaking of this lady even to
him.
"They say she is a miracle of beauty, Bigot!" continued Cadet, "and
that you are so jealous of the charms of your belle Gabrielle that
you are afraid to show her to your best friends."
"My belle Gabrielle is at liberty to go where she pleases, Cadet!"
Bigot saw the absurdity of anger, but he felt it, nevertheless.
"She chooses not to leave her bower, to look even on you, Cadet! I
warrant you she has not slept all night, listening to your infernal
din."
"Then, I hope you will allow us to go and beg pardon on our knees
for disturbing her rest. What say the good company?"
"Agreed, agreed!" was the general response, and all pressed the
Intendant vociferously to allow them to see the fair mistress of
Beaumanoir.
Varin, however, proposed that she should be brought into the hall.
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