"I was an obedient niece, and accompanied her. It is so easy to
persuade people to go where they wish to go!" She withdrew her hand
gently, and took his arm as he conducted the ladies into the house.
She felt a flush on her cheek, but it did not prevent her saying in
her frank, kindly way,--"I was glad to come to-day, Pierre, to
witness this gathering of the best and noblest in the land to honor
your fete. Aunt de Tilly has always predicted greatness for you."
"And you, Amelie, doubted, knowing me a shade better than your
aunt?"
"No, I believed her; so true a prophet as aunt surely deserved one
firm believer!"
Pierre felt the electric thrill run through him which a man feels at
the moment he discovers a woman believes in him. "Your presence
here to-day, Amelie! you cannot think how sweet it is," said he.
Her hand trembled upon his arm. She thought nothing could be
sweeter than such words from Pierre Philibert. With a charming
indirectness, however, which did not escape him, she replied, "Le
Gardeur is very proud of you to-day, Pierre.
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