"How, Mademoiselle? you put the death-mark upon one you do not
know?"
"I do not know her name. Nevertheless, La Corriveau, that gold, and
ten times as much, are yours, if you relieve me of the torment of
knowing that the secret chamber of Beaumanoir contains a woman whose
life is death to all my hopes, and disappointment to all my plans.
The mention of Beaumanoir startled La Corriveau.
"The lady of Beaumanoir!" she exclaimed, "whom the Abenaquis brought
in from Acadia? I saw that lady in the woods of St. Valier, when I
was gathering mandrakes one summer day. She asked me for some water
in God's name. I cursed her silently, but I gave her milk. I had
no water. She thanked me. Oh, how she thanked me! nobody ever
before thanked La Corriveau so sweetly as she did! I, even I, bade
her a good journey, when she started on afresh with her Indian
guides, after asking me the distance and direction of Beaumanoir."
This unexpected touch of sympathy surprised and revolted Angelique a
little.
"You know her then! That is rare fortune, La Corriveau," said she;
"she will remember you, you will have less difficulty in gaining
access to her and winning her confidence.
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