is small mark of our
respect," observed Bigot, feeling well assured she would not deem it a
small one.

"Little fear of that!" muttered Cadet, whose bad opinion of the sex was
incorrigible. "The game fowls of Versailles scratch jewels out of every
dung-hill, and Angelique des Meloises has longer claws than any of
them!"

Cadet's ill-natured remark was either unheard or unheeded; besides,
he was privileged to say anything. Des Meloises bowed with an air of
perfect complaisance to the Intendant as he answered,--"I guarantee the
perfect satisfaction of Angelique with this marked compliment of the
Grand Company. She will, I am sure, appreciate the kindness of the
Intendant as it deserves."

Cadet and Varin exchanged smiles, not unnoticed by Bigot, who smiled
too. "Yes, Chevalier," said he, "the Company gives this token of its
admiration for the fairest lady in New France. We have bestowed premiums
upon fine flax and fat cattle: why not upon beauty, grace, and wit
embodied in handsome women?"

"Angelique will be highly flattered, Chevalier," replied he, "at the
distinction. She must thank you herself, as I am sure she will."

"I am happy to try to deserve her thanks," replied Bigot; and, not
caring to talk further on the subject,--"what news in the city this
afternoon, Chevalier?" asked he; "how does that affair at Belmont go
off?"

"Don't know. Half the city has gone, I think. At the Church door,
however, the talk among the merchants is that peace is going to be made
soon. Is it so very threatening, Bigot?"

"If the King wills it, it is." Bigot spoke carelessly.

"But your own opinion, Chevalier Bigot; what think you of it?"

"Amen! amen! Quod fiat fiatur! Seigny John, the fool of Paris, could
enlighten you as well as I could as to what the women at Versailles may
decide to do," replied Bigot in a tone of impatience.

"I fear peace will be made. What will you do in that case, Bigot?" asked
Des Meloises, not noticing Bigot's aversion to the topic.

"If the King makes it, invitus amabo! as the man said who married the
shrew." Bigot laughed mockingly. "We must make the best of it, Des
Meloises! and let me tell you privately, I mean to make a good thing of
it for ourselves whichever way it turns."

"But what will become of the Company should the war expenditure stop?"
The Chevalier was thinking of his dividend of five figures.

"Oh! you should have been here sooner, Des Meloises: you would have
heard our grand