o infinitely dear to her,
so far more precious than any other earthly blessing, weighed upon her
heart, and the separation from him was a sorrow for which nothing could
console her. Yet, now that their relative positions were so changed,
might not a great happiness be in store for her? Did not this very
change bring her nearer in reality to that true, brave, faithful,
and devoted lover, though for the moment they were parted? As a poor
nameless actress she had refused to accept his offered hand, lest such
an alliance should be disadvantageous to him and stand in the way of his
advancement, but now--how joyfully would she give herself to him. The
daughter of a great and powerful prince would be a fitting wife for the
Baron de Sigognac. But if he were the murderer of her father's only son;
ah! then indeed they could never join hands over a grave. And even if
the young duke should recover, he might cherish a lasting resentment for
the man who had not only dared to oppose his wishes and designs, but
had also defeated and wounded him. As to the prince, good and generous
though he was, still he might not be able to bring himself to look with
favour upon the man who had almost deprived him of his son. Then, too,
he might desire some other alliance for his new-found daughter--it
was not impossible--but in her inmost heart she promised herself to be
faithful to her first and only love; to take refuge in a convent rather
than accept the hand of any other; even though that other were as
handsome as Apollo, and gifted as the prince of a fairy tale. Comforted
by this secret vow, by which she dedicated her life and love to de
Sigognac, whether their destiny should give them to each other or keep
them asunder, Isabelle was just falling into a sweet sleep when a slight
sound made her open her eyes, and they fell upon Chiquita, standing at
the foot of the bed and gazing at her with a thoughtful, melancholy air.

"What is it, my dear child?" said Isabelle, in her sweetest tones. "You
did not go away with the others, then? I am glad; and if you would
like to stay here with me, Chiquita, I will keep you and care for you
tenderly; as is justly due to you, my dear, for you have done a great
deal for me."

"I love you dearly," answered Chiquita, "but I cannot stay with you
while Agostino lives; he is my master, I must follow him. But I have one
favour to beg before I leave you; if you think that I have earned the
pearl necklace now, will you