"I would give five years of my life to know who and what that woman
is!" Angelique added, as she leaned over the parapet, gazing
intently at the great forest that lay beyond Charlebourg, in which
was concealed the Chateau of Beaumanoir."

"It is a strange mystery. But I would not seek to unravel it,
Angelique," remarked Amelie, "I feel there is sin in it. Do not
touch it: it will only bring mischief upon you if you do!"

"Mischief! So be it! But I will know the worst! The Intendant is
deceiving me! Woe be to him and her if I am to be their intended
victim! Will you not assist me, Amelie, to discover the truth of
this secret?"

"I? how can I? I pity you, Angelique, but it were better to leave
this Intendant to his own devices."

"You can very easily help me if you will. Le Gardeur must know this
secret. He must have seen the woman--but he is angry with me, for--
for--slighting him--as he thinks--but he was wrong. I could not
avow to him my jealousy in this matter. He told me just enough to
madden me, and angrily refused to tell the rest when he saw me so
infatuated--he called it--over other people's love affairs. Oh,
Amelie, Le Gardeur will tell you all if you ask him!"

"And I repeat it to you, Angelique, I cannot question Le Gardeur on
such a hateful topic. At any rate I need time to reflect, and will
pray to be guided right."

"Oh, pray not at all! If you pray you will never aid me! I know