She could
beat about the bush no longer.
"To kill a woman or a man were of itself a pleasure even without the
profit," replied La Corriveau, doggedly. "But why should I run
myself into danger for you, Mademoiselle des Meloises? Have you
gold enough to balance the risk?"
Angelique had now fairly overleaped all barriers of reserve. "I
will give you more than your eyes ever beheld, if you will serve me
in this matter, Dame Dodier!"
"Perhaps so, but I am getting old and trust neither man nor woman.
Give a pledge of your good faith, before you speak one word farther
to me on this business, Mademoiselle des Meloises." La Corriveau
held out her double hands significantly.
"A pledge? that is gold you want!" replied Angelique. "Yes, La
Corriveau; I will bind you to me with chains of gold; you shall have
it uncounted, as I get it,--gold enough to make you the richest
woman in St. Valier, the richest peasant-woman in New France."
"I am no peasant-woman," replied La Corriveau, with a touch of
pride, "I come of a race ancient and terrible as the Roman Caesars!
But pshaw! what have you to do with that? Give me the pledge of
your good faith and I will help you.
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