e differences of two valiant
adversaries are very apt to end in a warm mutual attachment--we were
destined from the beginning to become, sooner or later, a devoted pair
of friends; like Theseus and Pirithous, Nisus and Euryalus, or Damon and
Pythias. But never mind about me now, and tell my sister how you were
thinking of her, and longing for her, in that lonely chateau of yours;
where, by the way, I made one of the best meals I ever had in my life,
though you do pretend that starvation is the rule down there."

"And _I_ had a charming supper there too," said Isabelle with a smile,
"which I look back upon with the greatest pleasure."

"Nevertheless," rejoined de Sigognac, "plenty does not abound there--but
I cannot regret the blessed poverty that was the means of first winning
me your regard, my precious darling! I am thankful for it--I owe
everything to it."

"_I_ am of opinion," interrupted Vallombreuse, with a significant smile,
"that it would be well for me to go and report myself to my father. I
want to announce your arrival to him myself, de Sigognac! Not that he
will need to be specially prepared to receive you, for I am bound to
confess--what may surprise my little sister here--that he knew such a
thing might come about, and was equally implicated with my graceless
self in this little conspiracy. But one thing yet--tell me before I go,
Isabelle, Comtesse de Lineuil, whether you really do intend to accept
the Baron de Sigognac as your husband--I don't want to run any risk of
making a blunder at this stage of the proceedings, you understand, after
having conducted the negotiations successfully up to this point. You do
definitely and finally accept him, eh?--that is well--and now I will
go to the prince. Engaged lovers sometimes have matters to discuss that
even a brother may not hear, so I will leave you together, feeling sure
that you will both thank me for it in your hearts. Adieu!--make the
most of your time, for I shall soon return to conduct de Sigognac to the
prince."

With a laughing nod the young duke picked up his hat and went away,
leaving the two happy lovers alone together, and--however agreeable his
company may have been to them, it must be admitted that his absence was,
as he had predicted, very welcome to both. The Baron de Sigognac eagerly
approached Isabelle, and--again possessed himself of her fair hand,
which she did not withdraw from his warm, loving clasp. Neither spoke,
and for a few minu