"But Angelique may not consent to this disposal of her hand,"
replied De Pean with an uneasy look; "I should be afraid of your
gift unless she believed that she took me, and not I her."
"Hark you, De Pean! you do not know what women like her are made of,
or you would be at no loss how to bait your hook! You have made
four millions, they say, out of this war, if not more."
"I never counted it, your Excellency; but, much or little, I owe it
all to your friendship," replied De Pean with a touch of mock
humility.
"My friendship! Well, so be it. It is enough to make Angelique des
Meloises Madame de Pean when she finds she cannot be Madame
Intendant. Do you see your way now, De Pean?"
"Yes, your Excellency, and I cannot be sufficiently grateful for
such a proof of your goodness."
Bigot laughed a dry, meaning laugh. "I truly hope you will always
think so of my friendship, De Pean. If you do not, you are not the
man I take you to be. Now for our scheme of deliverance!
"Hearken, De Pean," continued the Intendant, fixing his dark, fiery
eyes upon his secretary; "you have craft and cunning to work out
this design and good will to hasten it on.
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