"It is but his deceit and flattery," she said to herself, "an idle
phrase to cozen a woman. I will not ask him to explain it, I shall
interpret it in my own way! Bigot has said words he understood not
himself; it is for me to give them form and meaning."
She grew quiet under these reflections, and bent her head in seeming
acquiescence to the Intendant's decision. The calmness was apparent
only.
"You are a true woman, Angelique," said he, "but no politician: you
have never heard thunder at Versailles. Would that I dared to grant
your request. I offer you my homage and all else I have to give you
to half my kingdom."
Angelique's eyes flashed fire. "It is a fairy tale after all!"
exclaimed she; "you will not grant the lettre de cachet?"
"As I told you before, I dare not grant that, Angelique; anything
else--"
"You dare not! You, the boldest Intendant ever sent to New France,
and say you dare not! A man who is worth the name dare do anything
in the world for a woman if he loves her, and for such a man a true
woman will kiss the ground he walks on, and die at his feet if need
be!" Angelique's thoughts reverted for a moment to Le Gardeur, not
to Bigot, as she said this, and thought how he would do it for her
sake if she asked him.
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