The Intendant, although personally at variance with several of the
gentlemen sitting at the council table, did not let that fact be
visible on his countenance, nor allow it to interfere with the
despatch of public business.
The Intendant was gay and easy to-day, as was his wont, wholly
unsuspecting the foul treason that was plotting by the woman he
admired against the woman he loved. His opinions were sometimes
loftily expressed, but always courteously as well as firmly.
Bigot never drooped a feather in face of his enemies, public or
private, but laughed and jested with all at table in the exuberance
of a spirit which cared for no one, and only reined itself in when
it was politic to flatter his patrons and patronesses at Versailles.
The business of the Council had begun. The mass of papers which lay
at the left hand of the Governor were opened and read seriatim by
his secretary, and debated, referred, decided upon, or judgment
postponed, as the case seemed best to the Council.
The Count was a man of method and despatch, clear-headed and
singularly free from prejudice, ambiguity, or hesitation.
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