The
information filled Angelique with delight, not only because it made
her independent of her brother's mismanagement of money, but it
opened a door to her wildest hopes. In that gift her ambition found
a potent ally to enable her to resist the appeal to her heart which
she knew would be made to-night by Le Gardeur de Repentigny.
The Chevalier des Meloises had no idea of his sister's own aims. He
had long nourished a foolish fancy that, if he had not obtained the
hand of the wealthy and beautiful heiress of Repentigny, it was
because he had not proposed. Something to-day had suggested the
thought that unless he did propose soon his chances would be nil,
and another might secure the prize which he had in his vain fancy
set down as his own.
He hinted to Angelique to-day that he had almost resolved to marry,
and that his projected alliance with the noble and wealthy house of
Tilly could be easily accomplished if Angelique would only do her
share, as a sister ought, in securing her brother's fortune and
happiness.
"How?" asked she, looking up savagely, for she knew well at what her
brother was driving.
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