"
Amelie shuddered at his vehemence, but she knew how useless was
expostulation. She wisely refrained, deeming it her duty, like a
good sister, to make the best of what she could not hinder. Some
jasmines overhung the seat; she plucked a handful, and gave them to
him as they rose to return to the house.
"Take them with you, Le Gardeur," said she, giving him the flowers,
which she tied into a wreath; "they will remind Angelique that she
has a powerful rival in your sister's love."
He took them as they walked slowly back. "Would she were like you,
Amelie, in all things!" said he. "I will put some of your flowers
in her hair to-night for your sake, sister."
"And for her own! May they be for you both an augury of good! Mind
and return home, Le Gardeur, after your visit. I shall sit up to
await your arrival, to congratulate you;" and, after a pause, she
added, "or to console you, brother!"
"Oh, no fear, sister!" replied he, cheeringly. "Angelique is true
as steel to me. You shall call her my betrothed tomorrow! Good-by!
And now go dance with all delight till morning.
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