"I shall always be faithful to a memory that is infinitely dear and
precious to me; for I cannot think that you intend to force me to act
against my will."

"Oh, no! I am not quite such a tyrant as that; I only ask you not to
reject my protege before you have seen him."

Without waiting for her reply, Vallombreuse abruptly left the room, and
returned in a moment with de Sigognac, whose heart was throbbing as
if it would burst out of his breast. The two young men, hand in hand,
paused on the threshold, hoping that Isabelle would turn her eyes
towards them; but she modestly cast them down and kept them fixed upon
the floor, while her thoughts flew far away, to hover about the beloved
being who she little dreamed was so near her. Vallombreuse, seeing that
she took no notice of them, and had fallen into a reverie, advanced
towards her, still holding de Sigognac by the hand, and made a
ceremonious bow, as did also his companion; but while the young duke was
smiling and gay, de Sigognac was deeply agitated, and very pale. Brave
as a lion when he had to do with men, he was timid with women--as are
all generous, manly hearts.

"Comtesse de Lineuil," said Vallombreuse, in an emphatic tone of voice,
"permit me to present to you one of my dearest friends, for whom I
entreat your favour--the Baron de Sigognac."

As he pronounced this name, which she at first believed to be a jest
on her brother's part, Isabelle started, trembled violently, and then
glanced up timidly at the newcomer.

When she saw that Vallombreuse had not deceived her, that it was really
he, her own true lover, standing there before her, she turned deathly
pale, and had nearly fallen from her chair; then the quick reaction
came, and a most lovely blush spread itself all over her fair face, and
even her snowy neck, as far as it could be seen. Without a word, she
sprang up, and throwing her arms round her brother's neck hid her face
on his shoulder, while two or three convulsive sobs shook her slender
frame and a little shower of tears fell from her eyes. By this
instinctive movement, so exquisitely modest and truly feminine, Isabelle
manifested all the exceeding delicacy and purity of her nature. Thus
were her warm thanks to Vallombreuse, whose kindness and generosity
overcame her, mutely expressed; and as she could not follow the dictates
of her heart, and throw herself into her lover's arms, she took refuge
in her transport of joy with her brother, who had