young baronne did not attempt to conceal the fact that she had
formerly been an actress herself--not parading it, but referring to it
quietly, if necessary, as a matter of course; an excellent method to
disarm ill-natured tongues, which would surely have wagged vigorously
had any mystery been made about it. In addition, her illustrious birth
and exalted position imposed silence upon those around her, and her
sweet dignity and modesty had soon won all hearts--even those of her own
sex--until it was universally conceded that there was not a greater
or truer lady in court circles than the beautiful young Baronne de
Sigognac.

The king, Louis XIII, having heard Isabelle's eventful history, praised
her highly for her virtuous conduct, and evinced great interest in de
Sigognac, whom he heartily commended for his respectful, honourable
gallantry, under circumstances that, according to general opinion, would
authorize all manner of license. His deference to defenceless virtue
peculiarly pleased the chaste, reserved monarch, who had no sympathy
with, or indulgence for the wild, unbridled excesses of the licentious
youth of his capital and court. As to Vallombreuse, he had entirely
changed and amended his way of life, and seemed to find unfailing
pleasure and satisfaction, as well as benefit, in the companionship
of his new friend and brother, to whom he was devoted, and who fully
reciprocated his warm affection; while the prince, his father, joyfully
dwelt in the bosom of his reunited family, and found in it the happiness
he had vainly sought before. The young husband and wife led a charming
life, more and more in love with and devoted to each other, and never
experiencing that satiety of bliss which is ruinous to the most perfect
happiness. Although Isabelle had no concealments from her husband, and
shared even her inmost thoughts with him, yet for a time she seemed very
much occupied with some mysterious business--apparently exclusively her
own.

She had secret conferences with her steward, with an architect, and
also with certain sculptors and painters--all without de Sigognac's
knowledge, and by the connivance of Vallombreuse, who seemed to be her
confidant, aider and abettor.

One fine morning, several months after their marriage, Isabelle said to
de Sigognac, as if a sudden thought had struck her: "My dear lord, do
you never think of your poor, deserted, old chateau? and have you no
desire to return to the birthplace o