p was gone, and her countenance showed no
faintest sign of embarrassment or shame. In her pure heart the most
searching looks of a father, of God himself, could have found nothing
to condemn. Just at this point the doctor's assistant was announced, who
brought a most favourable report from the sick-room. He was charged to
tell the prince that his son's condition was eminently satisfactory--a
marked change for the better having taken place; and that Maitre Laurent
considered the danger past--believing that his recovery was now only a
question of time.

A few days later, Vallombreuse, propped up on his pillows, received a
visit from his faithful and devoted friend, the Chevalier de Vidalinc,
whom he had not been permitted to see earlier. The prince was sitting
by the bedside, affectionately watching every flitting expression on
his son's face, which was pathetically thin and pale, but handsomer
than ever; because the old haughty, fierce look had vanished, and a soft
light, that had never been in them before, shone in his beautiful eyes,
whereat his father's heart rejoiced exceedingly. Isabelle stood at
the other side of the bed, and the young duke had clasped his thin,
startlingly white fingers round her hand. As he was forbidden to speak,
save in monosyllables--because of his injured lung--he took this means
of testifying his sympathy with her, who had been the involuntary cause
of his being wounded and in danger of losing his life, and thus made her
understand that he cherished no resentments. The affectionate brother
had replaced the fiery lover, and his illness, in calming his ardent
passion, had contributed not a little to make the transition a less
difficult one than it could possibly have been otherwise. Isabelle was
now for him really and only the Comtesse de Lineuil, his dear sister.
He nodded in a friendly way to Vidalinc, and disengaged his hand for
a moment from Isabelle's to give it to him--it was all that the doctor
would allow--but his eyes were eloquent enough to make up for his
enforced silence.

In the course of a few weeks, Vallombreuse, who had gained strength
rapidly, was able to leave his bed and recline upon a lounge near the
open window; so as to enjoy the mild, delightful air of spring, that
brought colour to his cheeks and light to his eyes. Isabelle was often
with him, and read aloud for hours together to entertain him; as Maitre
Laurent's orders were strict that he should not talk, even yet, a