Glyndon thought seriously and deeply over all that the mysterious Zicci had said to him relative to Isabel.

His imagination was inflamed by the vague and splendid promises that were connected with his marriage with the poor actress.

His fears, too, were naturally aroused by the threat that by marriage alone could he save himself from the rivalry of Zicci,--Zicci, born to dazzle and command; Zicci, who united to the apparent wealth of a monarch the beauty of a god; Zicci, whose eye seemed to foresee, whose hand to frustrate, every danger.

What a rival, and what a foe! But Glyndon's pride, as well as jealousy, was aroused.

He was brave comme son epee.