She almost believed his words. She could scarcely imagine another
woman seriously preferred to herself, when she chose to flatter a
man with a belief of her own preference for him.
They walked down a long alley brilliantly illuminated with lamps of
Bohemian glass, which shone like the diamonds, rubies, and emeralds
which grew upon the trees in the garden of Aladdin.
At every angle of the geometrically-cut paths of hard-beaten sea-
shells, white as snow, stood the statue of a faun, a nymph, or
dryad, in Parian marble, holding a torch, which illuminated a great
vase running over with fresh, blooming flowers, presenting a vista
of royal magnificence which bore testimony to the wealth and
splendid tastes of the Intendant.
The garden walks were not deserted: their beauty drew out many a
couple who sauntered merrily, or lovingly, down the pleached
avenues, which looked like the corridors of a gorgeously-decorated
palace.
Bigot and Angelique moved among the guests, receiving, as they
passed, obsequious salutations, which to Angelique seemed a
foretaste of royalty.
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