in a single word--Isabelle."

"Isabelle! a charming and romantic name. But do not confine yourself to
such Lacedaemonian brevity, Maitre Bilot; be prolix! and relate to me,
minutely, everything that you know about the lovely Isabelle."

"I am proud and happy to obey your lordship's commands," the worthy
landlord answered, with a low bow; "my cellar, my kitchen, my tongue and
myself are all at your lordship's disposition. Isabelle is an actress,
belonging to the celebrated troupe of Seignior Herode, stopping at
present at the Armes de France."

"An actress!" exclaimed the young duke, with an air of disappointment.
"I should have taken her for a lady of rank, from her quiet, dignified
mien, or at least a well-bred bourgeoise, rather than a member of a band
of strolling players."

"Yes, your lordship is right; any one might think so, for her
manners and appearance are very lady-like, and she has an untarnished
reputation, despite the difficulties of her position. No one understands
better how to keep all the gallants that hover about her at a respectful
distance; she treats these would-be suitors for her favour with a cold,
reserved, yet perfect politeness that there is no getting over."

"What you say pleases me," interrupted Vallombreuse, "for there
is nothing I so thoroughly despise as a fortress that is ready to
capitulate before the first assault has been made."

"It would need more than one to conquer this fair citadel, my lord,
though you are a bold and successful captain, not used to encountering
any serious resistance, and sweeping everything before you; and,
moreover, it is guarded by the vigilant sentinel of a pure and devoted
love."

"Oh ho! she has a lover then, this modest Isabelle!" cried the young
duke, in a tone at once triumphant and annoyed, for though on the one
side he had no faith in the steadfast virtue of any woman, on the other
he was vexed to learn that he had a successful rival.

"I said love, not lover," continued the landlord with respectful
persistency, "which is by no means the same thing. Your lordship is too
well versed in such matters not to appreciate the difference. A woman
that has one lover may have two, as the old song says; but a woman who
loves, with a pure love, and has that love returned in every sense,
it is impossible, or at least very difficult, to win away from it. She
possesses already everything that you, my lord, or any one, could offer
for her acceptance."

"Yo