ther's neck, and said in the softest tones, "There is no need for
me to consider or hesitate, my dear lord and father! Since the Baron de
Sigognac is so happy as to please you, I confess, freely and frankly,
that I have loved him ever since we first met, and have never wished for
any other alliance. To obey, you in this will be my highest happiness."

"And now clasp hands, my children, and exchange the kiss of betrothal,"
cried the Duke of Vallombreuse gaily. "Verily, the romance ends more
happily than could have been expected after such a stormy beginning. And
now the next question is, when shall the wedding be?"

"It will take a little time to make due preparation," said the prince.
"So many people must be set to work, in order that the marriage of my
only daughter may be worthily celebrated. Meanwhile, Isabelle, here is
your dowry, the deed of the estate of Lineuil--from which you derive
your title, and which yields you an income of fifty thousand crowns
per annum--together with rent-rolls, and all the various documents
appertaining thereto"--and he handed a formidable roll of papers to her.
"As to you, my dear de Sigognac, I have here for you a royal ordinance,
which constitutes you governor of a province; and no one, I venture to
say, could be more worthy of this distinguished honour than yourself."

Vallombreuse, who had gone out of the room while his father was
speaking, now made his appearance, followed by a servant carrying a box
covered with crimson velvet.

He took it from the lackey at the door, and advancing, placed it upon
the table in front of Isabelle.

"My dear little sister," said he, "will you accept this from me as a
wedding gift?"

On the cover was inscribed "For Isabelle," in golden letters, and it
contained the very casket which the Duke of Vallombreuse had offered at
Poitiers to the young actress, and which she had so indignantly refused
to receive, or even look at.

"You will accept it this time?" he pleaded, with a radiant smile; "and
honour these diamonds of finest water, and these pearls of richest
lustre, by wearing them, for my sake. They are not more pure and
beautiful than yourself."

Isabelle smilingly took up a magnificent necklace and clasped it round
her fair neck, to show that she harboured no resentment; then put the
exquisite bracelets on her round, white arms, and decked herself with
the various superb ornaments that the beautiful casket contained.

And now we have only