A denial was on
her lips, but the lie remained unspoken. She trembled before La
Corriveau, but her resolution was unchanged.
"It was not only to please me, but to profit yourself that I sent
for you!" Angelique replied eagerly, like one trying to outstrip her
conscience and prevent it from overtaking her sin. "Hark you! you
love gold, La Corriveau! I will give you all you crave in return
for your help,--for help me you shall! you will never repent of it
if you do; you will never cease to regret it if you do not! I will
make you rich, La Corrivean! or else, by God! do you hear? I swear
it! I will have you burnt for a witch, and your ashes strewn all
over St. Valier!"
La Corriveau spat contemptuously upon the floor at the holy name.
"You are a fool, Angelique des Meloises, to speak thus to me! Do
you know who and what I am? You are a poor butterfly to flutter
your gay wings against La Corriveau; but still I like your spirit!
women like you are rare. The blood of Exili could not have spoken
bolder than you do; you want the life of a woman who has kindled the
hell-fire of jealousy in your heart, and you want me to tell you how
to get your revenge!"
"I do want you to do it, La Corriveau, and your reward shall be
great!" answered Angelique with a burst of impatience.
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