"Guess! you unsuspecting queen of shepherdesses," cried he, archly
twisting a lock of her hair that hung over her shoulder. "Guess,
you pretty gipsy, you!"
"Guess? How can I guess, Le Gardeur? Can there be any news left in
the city of Quebec after an hour's visit from Madame de Grandmaison
and Madame Couillard? I did not go down, but I know they inquired
much after you, by the way!" Amelie, with a little touch of
feminine perversity, shyly put off the grand burst of Le Gardeur's
intelligence, knowing it was sure to come.
"Pshaw! who cares for those old scandal-mongers! But you can never
guess my news, Amelie, so I may as well tell you." Le Gardeur
fairly swelled with the announcement he was about to make.
"Have mercy then, brother, and tell me at once, for you do now set
my curiosity on tiptoe." She was a true woman, and would not for
anything have admitted her knowledge of the presence of Colonel
Philibert in the house.
"Amelie," said he, taking her by both hands, as if to prevent her
escape, "I was at Beaumanoir--you know the Intendant gave a grand
hunting party," added he, noticing the quick glance she gave him;
"and who do you think came to the Chateau and recognized me, or
rather I recognized him? A stranger--and not such a stranger,
either Amelie.
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