"
"Sometimes? Almost always, my Lady! When I was the Charming
Josephine--nay, listen, Lady: my story is instructive." Caroline
composed herself to hear the dame's recital. "When I was the
Charming Josephine of Lake Beauport I began by believing that men
were angels sent for the salvation of us women. I thought that love
was a better passport than money to lead to matrimony; but I was a
fool for my fancy! I had a good score of lovers any day. The
gallants praised my beauty, and it was the envy of the city; they
flattered me for my wit,--nay, even fought duels for my favor, and
called me the Charming Josephine, but not one offered to marry me!
At twenty I ran away for love, and was forsaken. At thirty I
married for money, and was rid of all my illusions. At forty I came
as housekeeper to Beaumanoir, and have lived here comfortably ever
since I know what royal intendants are! Old Hocquart wore night-
caps in the daytime, took snuff every minute, and jilted a lady in
France because she had not the dower of a duchess to match his
hoards of wealth! The Chevalier Bigot's black eye and jolly laugh
draw after him all the girls of the city, but not one will catch
him! Angelique des Meloises is first in his favor, but I see it is
as clear as print in the eye of the Intendant that he will never
marry her--and you will prevent him, my Lady!"
"I? I prevent him!" exclaimed Caroline in amazement.
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