of friends, for coming
to show me the money he had won from Le Gardeur while intoxicated.
Lantagnac brought me a set of pearls which he had purchased out of his
winnings. I threw them into the fire and would have thrown him after
them, had I been a man! 'fore God, I would, Amelie! I may have wounded
Le Gardeur, but no other man or woman shall injure him with my consent."

Angelique spoke this in a tone of sincerity that touched somewhat the
heart of Amelie, although the aberrations and inconsistencies of this
strange girl perplexed her to the utmost to understand what she really
felt.

"I think I may trust you, Angelique, to help me to rescue him from
association with the Palace?" said Amelie, gently, almost submissively,
as if she half feared a refusal.

"I desire nothing more," replied Angelique. "You have little faith in
me, I see that,"--Angelique wiped her eyes, in which a shade of moisture
could be seen,--"but I am sincere in my friendship for Le Gardeur. The
Virgin be my witness, I never wished his injury, even when I injured him
most. He sought me in marriage, and I was bound to another."

"You are to marry the Intendant, they say. I do not wonder, and yet I do
wonder, at your refusing my brother, even for him."

"Marry the Intendant! Yes, it is what fools and some wise people say. I
never said it myself, Amelie."

"But you mean it, nevertheless; and for no other would you have thrown
over Le Gardeur de Repentigny."

"I did not throw him over," she answered, indignantly. "But why dispute?
I cannot, Amelie, say more, even to you! I am distraught with cares and
anxieties, and know not which way to turn."

"Turn here, where I turn in my troubles, Angelique!" replied Amelie,
moving closer to the altar. "Let us pray for Le Gardeur." Angelique
obeyed mechanically, and the two girls prayed silently for a few
moments, but how differently in spirit and feeling! The one prayed for
her brother,--the other tried to pray, but it was more for herself, for
safety in her crime and success in her deep-laid scheming. A prayer for
Le Gardeur mingled with Angelique's devotions, giving them a color of
virtue. Her desire for his welfare was sincere enough, and she thought
it disinterested of herself to pray for him.

Suddenly Angelique started up as if stung by a wasp. "I must take leave
of you, my Amelie," said she; "I am glad I met you here. I trust you
understand me now, and will rely on my being as a sister to Le Gardeu