Nor do I believe he is doing
so. Our old convent notions are too narrow to take out with us into
the world. You judge Le Gardeur too rigidly, Amelie."
"Would that were my fault, Angelique!" replied she earnestly, "but
my heart tells me he is lost unless those who led him astray remit
him again into the path of virtue whence they seduced him."
Angelique winced, for she took the allusion to herself, although in
the mind of Amelie it referred more to the Intendant. "Le Gardeur
is no weakling to be led astray," replied she. "He is a strong man,
to lead others, not to be led, as I know better than even his
sister."
Amelie looked up inquiringly, but Angelique did not pursue the
thought nor explain the meaning of her words.
"Le Gardeur," continued Angelique, "is not worse, nay, with all his
faults, is far better than most young gallants, who have the
laudable ambition to make a figure in the world, such as women
admire. One cannot hope to find men saints, and we women to be such
sinners. Saints would be dull companions. I prefer mere men,
Amelie!"
"For shame, Angelique! to say such things before the sacred shrine,"
exclaimed Amelie, indignantly stopping her.
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