euse in his most dulcet
tones, and without stirring from his position, "that the mere sight of
me produces an effect like this? Why, a wild beast, crouching to spring
upon you from his lair, with angry roar and blazing eyeballs, could not
terrify you more. My presence here may be a little sudden and startling,
I admit; but you must not be too hard upon one who lives only to love
and adore you. I knew that I risked your anger when I decided to take
this step; but I could not exist any longer without a sight of you,
and I humbly crave your pardon if I have offended you by my ardour and
devotion. I kneel at your feet, fair lady, a despairing and most unhappy
suppliant for your grace and favour."

"Rise, my lord, I beseech you," said the frightened, trembling girl,
speaking with great difficulty and in a voice that sounded strange in
her own ears; "such a position does not become your rank. I am only an
actress, and my poor attractions do not warrant such homage. Forget this
fleeting fancy, I pray you, and carry elsewhere the ardour and devotion
that are wasted upon me, and that so many great and noble ladies would
be proud and happy to receive and reward."

"What do I care for other women, be they what they may?" cried
Vallombreuse impetuously, as he rose in obedience to her request; "it
is YOUR pride and purity that I adore, YOUR beauty and goodness that I
worship; your very cruelty is more charming to me than the utmost
favour of any other woman in the world. Your sweet modesty and angelic
loveliness have inspired in me a passion that is almost delirium, and
unless you can learn to love me I shall die--I cannot live without you.
You need not be afraid of me," he added, as Isabelle recoiled when he
made one step forward, and tried to open the window with her trembling
bands, as if she meant to throw herself out in case of his coming any
nearer; "see, I will stay where I am. I will not touch you, not even the
hem of your garment, so great is my respect for you, charming Isabelle!
I do not ask anything more than that you will deign to suffer my
presence here a little longer now, and permit me to pay my court to you,
lay siege to your heart, and wait patiently until it surrenders
itself to me freely and of its own accord, as it surely will. The most
respectful lover could not do more."

"Spare me this useless pursuit, my lord," pleaded Isabelle, "and I will
reward you with the warmest gratitude; but love you I cannot, now