in his
way--otherwise he would surely have tried to see me again--or at
least have written to me. Perhaps I ought to have sent him word that
Vallombreuse had recovered; yet how could I do that? A modest woman
shrinks from even seeming to wish to entice her absent lover back to
her side. How often I think that I should be far happier if I could have
remained as I was--an obscure actress; then I could at least have
had the bliss of seeing him every day, and of enjoying in peace the
sweetness of being loved by such a noble, tender heart as his. Despite
the touching affection and devotion that my princely father lavishes
upon me, I feel sad and lonely in this magnificent chateau. If
Vallombreuse were only here his society would help to pass the time; but
he is staying away so long--and I try in vain to make out what he meant
when he told me, with such a significant smile, as he bade me adieu,
that I would be pleased with what he was about to do. Sometimes I fancy
that I do understand; but I dare not indulge myself with such blissful
thoughts for an instant. If I did, and were mistaken after all, the
disappointment would be too cruel--too heart-rending. But, if it only
could be true! ah! if it only might! I fear I should go mad with excess
of joy."

The young Comtesse de Lineuil was still absorbed in sad thoughts when a
tall lackey appeared, and asked if she would receive his lordship, the
Duke of Vallombreuse who had just arrived, at the chateau and desired to
speak with her.

"Certainly, I shall be delighted to see him," she said in glad surprise;
"ask him to come to me at once."

In a few minutes--which had seemed like hours to Isabelle--the young
duke made his appearance, with beaming eyes, rosy cheeks, light, elastic
step, and that air of glorious health and vigour which had distinguished
him before his illness. He threw down his broad felt hat as he came in,
and, hastening to his sister's side, took her pretty white hands and
raised them to his lips.

"Dearest Isabelle," he cried, "I am so rejoiced to see you again! I was
obliged to stay away from you much longer than I wished, for it is a
great deprivation to me now not to be with you every day--I have gotten
so thoroughly into the habit of depending upon your sweet society. But
I have been occupied entirely with your interests during my absence, and
the hope of pleasing my darling sister, and adding to her happiness, has
helped me to endure the long separation