be sure to come round, in spite of her
obstinate affectation of such ferocious virtue, and her tiresome,
Platonic love for her impecunious suitor. Yes, my little beauty, your
portrait shall figure in one of those oval frames ere long. I think I'll
have you painted as chaste Diana, descended from the sky, despite her
coldness, to lavish sweet kisses on Endymion. You shall take your place
among those other goddesses, who were as coy and hard to please at first
as yourself, and who are far greater ladies, my dear, than you ever will
be. Your fall is at hand, and you must learn, as your betters have done
before you, that there's no withstanding the will of a Vallombreuse.
'Frango nec frangor,' is my motto."

A servant entered to announce that the carriage awaited his lordship's
pleasure, and during the short drive from his own house to the Rue
Dauphine, the young duke, despite his arrogant assurance, felt his heart
beating faster than usual as he wondered how Isabelle would receive him.
When the splendid carriage, with its four prancing horses and servants
in gorgeous liveries, drove into the courtyard of the hotel where the
comedians were stopping, the landlord himself, cap in hand, rushed
out to ask the pleasure of the lordly visitor; but, rapid as were his
movements, the duke had already alighted before he could reach him.
He cut short the obsequious host's obeisances and breathless offers of
service by an impatient gesture, and said peremptorily:

"Mlle. Isabelle is stopping here. I wish to see her. Is she at home? Do
not send to announce my visit; only let me have a servant to show me the
way to her room."

"My lord, let me have the glory of conducting your lordship myself--such
an honour is too great for a rascally servant--I myself am not worthy of
so distinguished a privilege."

"As you please," said Vallombreuse, with haughty negligence, "only be
quick about it. There are people at every window already, staring down
at me as if I were the Grand Turk in person."

He followed his guide, who, with many bows and apologies, preceded him
upstairs, and down a long, narrow corridor with doors on either side,
like a convent, until they reached Isabelle's room, where the landlord
paused, and, bowing lower than ever, asked what name he should have the
honour of announcing.

"You can go, now," the duke replied, laying his hand on the door; "I
will announce myself."

Isabelle was sitting by the window, diligently study