Angelique loved the harp; but she was glad to let her
hands fall in her lap, and leave Colonel Menard to work good nature in
her tante-gra'mere. The autocrat tolerated him with as much liking as
she could give to any suitor of Angelique's. The intentions of the
others were discovered only through slaves used as spies; but he came
into her state apartment and showed her consideration. She sat up on her
broad throne, against the background of pillows, and received his salute
upon her hand. Afterwards he bowed over Angelique's fingers.
"I hope the seven children of monsieur the colonel are well," said
tante-gra'mere in her tiny scream.
"Four, madame," corrected the visitor. "Thanks, they are very well."
They spoke in French, for although she understood English she never
condescended to use it. Their conference begun each time by her inquiry
after his seven children.
"And madame, I hope she is comfortable to-day?"
"I neither sleep nor eat," declared tante-gra'mere. "And with the
streets full of a shouting rabble, there is no comfort to be had in
Kaskaskia.
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