"
"Colonel Philibert too! he shares in the sentiments of your aunt and
sister, to say nothing of the standing hostility of his father, the
Bourgeois," continued Angelique, provoked at Le Gardeur's want of
adhesion.
"Pierre Philibert! He may not like the Intendant: he has reason for
not doing so; but I stake my life upon his honor--he will never be
unjust towards the Intendant or any man." Le Gardeur could not be
drawn into a censure of his friend.
Angelique shielded adroitly the stiletto of innuendo she had drawn.
"You say right," said she, craftily; "Pierre Philibert is a
gentleman worthy of your regard. I confess I have seen no handsomer
man in New France. I have been dreaming of one like him all my
life! What a pity I saw you first, Le Gardeur!" added she, pulling
him by the hair.
"I doubt you would throw me to the fishes were Pierre my rival,
Angelique," replied he, merrily; "but I am in no danger: Pierre's
affections are, I fancy, forestalled in a quarter where I need not
be jealous of his success."
"I shall at any rate not be jealous of your sister, Le Gardeur,"
said Angelique, raising her face to his, suffused with a blush; "if
I do not give you the love you ask for it is because you have it
already; but ask no more at present from me--this, at least, is
yours," said she, kissing him twice, without prudery or hesitation.
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