ng him to speak fearlessly for himself. Encouraged
by the expression of his eyes, the baron rose, and, with a low bow,
said, in clear, distinct tones, "Prince, I am here to ask of you the
hand of Mlle. la Comtesse Isabelle de Lineuil, your daughter."

The old nobleman looked at him steadily and searchingly for a moment,
and then, as if satisfied with his scrutiny, answered: "Baron de
Sigognac, I accede to your request, and consent to this alliance, with
great pleasure--so far, that is, as my paternal will accords with the
wishes of my beloved daughter--whom I should never attempt to coerce in
anything. The Comtesse de Lineuil must be consulted in this matter, and
herself decide the question which is of such vital importance to her.
I cannot undertake to answer for her--the whims and fancies of young
ladies are sometimes so odd and unexpected."

The prince said this with a mischievous smile--as if he had not long
known that Isabelle loved de Sigognac with all her heart, and was pining
for him. After a brief pause, he added: "Vallombreuse, go and fetch your
sister, for, without her, I cannot give a definite answer to the Baron
de Sigognac."

The young duke accordingly went for Isabelle, who was greatly alarmed at
this summons, and obeyed it in fear and trembling. Despite her brother's
assurances, she could not bring herself to believe in the reality of
such great happiness. Her breast heaved tumultuously, her face was very
pale, at each step her knees threatened to give way under her, and when
her father drew her fondly to his side she was forced to grasp the arm
of his chair tightly, to save herself from falling.

"My daughter," said the prince gravely, "here is a gentleman who does
you the honour to sue for your hand. For my own part, I should hail
this union with joy--for he is of an ancient and illustrious family,
of stainless reputation and tried courage, and appears to me to possess
every qualification that heart could desire. I am perfectly satisfied
with him--but has he succeeded in pleasing you, my child? Young heads do
not always agree with gray ones. Examine your own heart carefully,
and tell me if you are willing to accept the Baron de Sigognac as your
husband. Take plenty of time to consider--you shall not be hurried, my
dear child, in so grave a matter as this."

The prince's kindly, cordial smile gave evidence that he was in a
playful mood, and Isabelle, plucking up courage, threw her arms round
her fa