him. She had
dressed herself with elaborate care, and no woman in New France equalled
Angelique in the perfection of her attire. She studied his tastes in her
conversation and demeanor, which were free beyond even her wont,
because she saw that a manner bold and unconstrained took best with
him. Angelique's free style was the most perfect piece of acting in
the world. She laughed loudly at his wit, and heard without blushes his
double entendres and coarse jests, not less coarse because spoken in
the polished dialect of Paris. She stood it all, but with no more result
than is left by a brilliant display of fireworks after it is over. She
could read in the eager looks and manner of the Intendant that she had
fixed his admiration and stirred his passions, but she knew by a no less
sure intuition that she had not, with all her blandishments, suggested
to his mind one serious thought of marriage.

In vain she reverted to the subject of matrimony, in apparent jest but
secret earnest. The Intendant, quick-witted as herself, would accept
the challenge, talk with her and caracole on the topic which she had
caparisoned so gaily for him, and amid compliments and pleasantries,
ride away from the point, she knew not whither! Then Angelique would be
angry after his departure, and swear,--she could swear shockingly for a
lady when she was angry!--and vow she would marry Le Gardeur after all;
but her pride was stung, not her love. No man had ever defeated her
when she chose to subdue him, neither should this proud Intendant! So
Angelique collected her scattered forces again, and laid closer siege to
Bigot than ever.

The great ball at the Palais had been the object of absorbing interest
to the fashionable society of the Capital for many weeks. It came on at
last, turning the heads of half the city with its splendor.

Angelique shone the acknowledged queen of the Intendant's ball. Her
natural grace and beauty, set off by the exquisite taste and richness of
her attire, threw into eclipse the fairest of her rivals. If there was
one present who, in admiration of her own charms, claimed for herself
the first place, she freely conceded to Angelique the second. But
Angelique feared no rival there. Her only fear was at Beaumanoir. She
was profoundly conscious of her own superiority to all present, while
she relished the envy and jealousy which it created. She cared but
little what the women thought of her, and boldly challenging the homage