"There are women who value themselves wholly by the value placed
upon them by others; but I value others by the measure of myself. I
love Le Gardeur; and what I love I do not mean to lose!" added she,
with an inconsequence that fitted ill with her resolution regarding
the Intendant. But Angelique was one who reconciled to herself all
professions, however opposite or however incongruous.
A hasty knock at the door of the mansion, followed by the quick,
well-known step up the broad stair, brought Le Gardeur into her
presence. He looked flushed and disordered as he took her eagerly-
extended hand and pressed it to his lips.
Her whole aspect underwent a transformation in the presence of her
lover. She was unfeignedly glad to see him. Without letting go his
hand she led him to the sofa, and sat down by him. Other men had
the semblance of her graciousness, and a perfect imitation it was
too; but he alone had the reality of her affection.
"O Le Gardeur!" exclaimed she, looking him through and through, and
detecting no flaw in his honest admiration, "can you forgive me for
asking you to come and see me to-night? and for absolutely no
reason--none in the world, Le Gardeur, but that I longed to see you!
I was jealous of Belmont for drawing you away from the Maison des
Meloises to-night!"
"And what better reason could I have in the world than that you were
longing to see me, Angelique? I think I should leave the gate of
Heaven itself if you called me back, darling! Your presence for a
minute is more to me than hours of festivity at Belmont, or the
company of any other woman in the world.
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