I have told you that the pleasure of a woman is in the
fidelity of her lover; tell me now, Chevalier, what is the highest
pleasure of a man?"
"The beauty and condescension of his mistress,--at least, I know
none greater." Bigot looked at her as if his speech ought to
receive acknowledgement on the spot.
"And it is your politeness to say that, also, Chevalier!" replied
she very coolly.
"I wish I could say of your condescension, Angelique, what I have
said of your beauty: Francois Bigot would then feel the highest
pleasure of a man." The Intendant only half knew the woman he was
seeking to deceive. She got angry.
Angelique looked up with a scornful flash. "My condescension,
Chevalier? to what have I not condescended on the faith of your
solemn promise that the lady of Beaumanoir should not remain under
your roof? She is still there, Chevalier, in spite of your
promise!"
Bigot was on the point of denying the fact, but there was sharpness
in Angelique's tone, and clearness of all doubt in her eyes. He saw
he would gain nothing by denial.
Pages:
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608