aving taken these
precautions, she closed her eyes, and hoped that she could for a while
forget her troubles in sleep; but she had been so much excited and
agitated that her nerves were all quivering, and it was long before she
even grew drowsy. There were so many strange, incomprehensible noises in
the great, empty house to disturb and startle her; and in her own room,
the cracking of the furniture, the ticking of a death-watch in the wall
near her bed, the gnawing of a rat behind the wainscot, the snapping of
the fire. At each fresh sound she started up in terror, with her
poor heart throbbing as if it would burst out of her breast, a cold
perspiration breaking out on her forehead, and trembling in every limb.
At last, however, weary nature had to succumb, and she fell into a deep
sleep, which lasted until she was awakened by the sun shining on her
face. Her first thought was to wonder that she had not yet seen the Duke
of Vallombreuse; but she was thankful for his absence, and hoped that
it would continue until Chiquita should have brought de Sigognac to the
rescue.

The reason why the young duke had not yet made his appearance was one of
policy. He had taken especial pains to show himself at Saint Germain on
the day of the abduction--had joined the royal hunting party, and
been exceedingly and unwontedly affable to all who happened to come
in contact with him. In the evening he had played at cards, and lost
ostentatiously sums that would have been of importance to a less wealthy
man--being all the time in a very genial mood--especially after the
arrival of a mounted messenger, who brought him a little note. Thus the
duke's desire to be able to establish an incontestable alibi, in case of
need, had spared Isabelle thus far the infliction of his hated presence;
but while she was congratulating herself upon it, and welcoming the
sunshine that streamed into her room, she heard the drawbridge being let
down, and immediately after a carriage dashed over it and thundered
into the court. Her heart sank, for who would be likely to enter in
that style save the master of the house? Her face grew deathly pale, she
reeled, and for one dreadful moment felt as if she should faint; but,
rallying her courage, she reminded herself that Chiquita had gone to
bring de Sigognac to her aid, and determined afresh to meet bravely
whatever trials might be in store for her, until her beloved knight
and champion should arrive, to rescue her fr