At this moment Bigot, who had waited for the conclusion of a game of
cards, rejoined the group where she sat.
Angelique drew in her robe and made room for him beside her, and was
presently laughing and talking as free from care, apparently, as an
oriole warbling on a summer spray. De Pean courteously withdrew,
leaving her alone with the Intendant.
Bigot was charmed for the moment into oblivion of the lady who sat
in her secluded chamber at Beaumanoir. He forgot his late quarrel
with Angelique in admiration of her beauty. The pleasure he took in
her presence shed a livelier glow of light across his features. She
observed it, and a renewed hope of triumph lifted her into still
higher flights of gaiety.
"Angelique," said he, offering his arm to conduct her to the
gorgeous buffet, which stood loaded with golden dishes of fruit,
vases of flowers, and the choicest confectionery, with wine fit for
a feast of Cyprus, "you are happy to-night, are you not? But
perfect bliss is only obtained by a judicious mixture of earth and
heaven: pledge me gaily now in this golden wine, Angelique, and ask
me what favor you will.
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