tall trees on either side had been carefully
pruned, so that their branches met in an arch overhead, and framed in a
most astonishing picture. Instead of the dreary ruin, slowly crumbling
into dust, a fine new chateau rose before them--resembling the old one
as a son resembles his father. It was an exact reproduction--nothing
had been changed, only renewed--it was simply the ancient mansion
rejuvenated. The walls were smooth and unbroken, the lofty towers
intact, rising proudly at the four angles of the building, with their
freshly gilded weathercocks gleaming in the sunlight. A handsome new
roof, tastefully ornamented with a pretty design in different coloured
slates, had replaced the broken, weather-stained tiles, through which
the rain used to find its way down into the frescoed hall, and the long
suite of deserted rooms. Every window had bright large panes of clear
glass shining in its casement, and a magnificent great door, turning
smoothly and noiselessly upon its huge hinges, had superseded the old,
worm-eaten one, that used to groan and creak piteously when opened ever
so little. Above it shone the de Sigognac arms--three golden storks
upon an azure field, with this noble motto--entirely obliterated of
old--"Alta petunt."

For a few moments de Sigognac gazed at it all in silence, overcome by
astonishment and emotion. Then he suddenly turned to Isabelle, with
joyful surprise written in every line of his speaking countenance, and
seizing her hands passionately, and holding them firmly clasped in his,
said: "It is to you, my kind, generous fairy, that I owe this marvellous
transformation of my poor, dilapidated, old chateau. You have touched it
with your wand and restored its ancient splendour, majesty and youth.
I cannot tell you how enchanted, how gratified I am by this wonderful
surprise. It is unspeakably charming and delightful, like everything
that emanates from my good angel. Without a word or hint from me, you
have divined, and carried out, the secret and most earnest wish of my
heart."

"You must also thank a certain sorcerer, who has greatly aided me in
all this," said Isabelle softly, touched by her husband's emotion and
delight, and pointing to Vallombreuse, who was sitting opposite to her.
The two young men clasped hands for a moment, and smiled at each other
in friendly fashion. There was a perfect under standing between these
kindred spirits now, and no words were needed on either side.

By this t