She took Amelie in her arms, mingling her own tears with hers, and
bidding her not despair. "A sister's love," said she, "never
forgets, never wearies, never despairs." They had friends too
powerful to be withstood, even by Bigot, and the Intendant would be
compelled to loosen his hold upon Le Gardeur. She would rely upon
the inherent nobleness of the nature of Le Gardeur himself to wash
itself pure of all stain, could they only withdraw him from the
seductions of the Palace. "We will win him from them by counter
charms, Amelie, and it will be seen that virtue is stronger than
vice to conquer at last the heart of Le Gardeur."
"Alas, aunt!" replied the poor girl, her eyes suffused with tears,
"neither friend nor foe will avail to turn him from the way he has
resolved to go. He is desperate, and rushes with open eyes upon his
ruin. We know the reason of it all. There is but one who could
have saved Le Gardeur if she would. She is utterly unworthy of my
brother, but I feel now it were better Le Gardeur had married even
her than that he should be utterly lost to himself and us all.
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