But what about Mademoiselle des
Meloises?" Honest Jean had passed her over the ferry an hour ago,
and been sorely tempted to inform Le Gardeur of the interesting
fact.
"What about Mademoiselle des Meloises?" Babet spoke rather sharply.
"Why, all Quebec knows that the Seigneur de Repentigny is mad in
love with her."
"And why should he not be mad in love with her if he likes?" replied
Jean; "she is a morsel fit for a king, and if Le Gardeur should lose
both his heart and his wits on her account, it is only what half the
gallants of Quebec have done."
"Oh, Jean, Jean! it is plain to see you have an eye in your head as
well as a soft place!" ejaculated Babet, recommencing her knitting
with fresh vigor, and working off the electricity that was stirring
in her.
"I had two eyes in my head when I chose you, Babet, and the soft
place was in my heart!" replied Jean, heartily. The compliment was
taken with a smile, as it deserved to be. "Look you, Babet, I would
not give this pinch of snuff," said Jean, raising his thumb and two
fingers holding a good dose of the pungent dust,--"I would not give
this pinch of snuff for any young fellow who could be indifferent to
the charms of such a pretty lass as Angelique des Meloises!"
"Well, I am glad you did not tell the Seigneur de Repentigny that
she had crossed the ferry and gone--not to look for him, I'll be
bound! I will tell you something by and by, Jean, if you will come
in and eat your dinner; I have something you like.
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