She stood it all, but with no more result than is
left by a brilliant display of fireworks after it is over. She
could read in the eager looks and manner of the Intendant that she
had fixed his admiration and stirred his passions, but she knew by a
no less sure intuition that she had not, with all her blandishments,
suggested to his mind one serious thought of marriage.
In vain she reverted to the subject of matrimony, in apparent jest
but secret earnest. The Intendant, quick-witted as herself, would
accept the challenge, talk with her and caracole on the topic which
she had caparisoned so gaily for him, and amid compliments and
pleasantries, ride away from the point, she knew not whither! Then
Angelique would be angry after his departure, and swear,--she could
swear shockingly for a lady when she was angry!--and vow she would
marry Le Gardeur after all; but her pride was stung, not her love.
No man had ever defeated her when she chose to subdue him, neither
should this proud Intendant! So Angelique collected her scattered
forces again, and laid closer siege to Bigot than ever.
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