He rose from his seat somewhat flushed and excited by this talk
respecting Angelique des Meloises. He walked up and down the room
a few turns, recovered his composure, and sat down again.
"Come, gentlemen," said he; "too much care will kill a cat! Let us
change our talk to a merrier tune; fill up, and we will drink to the
loves of De Repentigny and the fair Angelique! I am much mistaken
if we do not find in her the dea ex machina to help us out of our
trouble with the Honnetes Gens!"
The glasses were filled and emptied. Cards and dice were then
called for. The company drew their chairs into a closer circle
round the table; deep play, and deeper drinking, set in. The Palais
resounded with revelry until the morning sun looked into the great
window, blushing red at the scene of drunken riot that had become
habitual in the Palace of the Intendant.
CHAPTER XV.
THE CHARMING JOSEPHINE.
The few words of sympathy dropped by Bigot in the secret chamber had
fallen like manna on the famine of Caroline's starving affections as
she remained on the sofa, where she had half fallen, pressing her
bosom with her hands as if a new-born thought lay there.
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