She had learned
enough during her brief interview with Caroline in the forest of St.
Valier, and from what she now heard respecting the Baron de St.
Castin, to convince her that this was no other than his missing
daughter.
"If Caroline could only be induced to admit La Corriveau into her
secret chamber and take her into her confidence, the rest--all the
rest," muttered the hag to herself, with terrible emphasis, "would
be easy, and my reward sure. But that reward shall be measured in
my own bushel, not in yours, Mademoiselle des Meloises, when the
deed is done!"
La Corriveau knew the power such a secret would enable her to
exercise over Angelique. She already regarded the half of her
reputed riches as her own. "Neither she nor the Intendant will ever
dare neglect me after that!" said she. "When once Angelique shall
be linked in with me by a secret compact of blood, the fortune of La
Corriveau is made. If the death of this girl be the elixir of life
to you, it shall be the touchstone of fortune forever to La
Corriveau!"
Mere Malheur was next day despatched on a visit to her old gossip,
Dame Tremblay.
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