Rest assured, my own darling, that you have nothing further to fear from me.

I am not worthy to kiss the traces of your footprints in the dust; but yet, I pray you, listen to me! Perhaps you do not fully understand all my thoughts and intentions, and will forgive me when you do.

I have nothing but my name, which is as pure and spotless as your sweet self, and I offer it to you, my own beloved Isabelle, if you will deign to accept it." He was still kneeling at her feet, and at these ardently spoken words she leaned towards him, took his upraised face between her hands with a quick, passionate movement, and kissed him fervently on the lips; then she sprang to her feet and began, hurriedly and excitedly, pacing back and forth in the chamber.
"You will be my wife, Isabelle ?" cried de Sigognac in agitated tones, thrilling in every nerve from the sweet contact of her pure, lovely mouth--fresh as a flower, ardent as a flame.
"Never, never," answered Isabelle, with a clear ring of rapture in her voice.

"I will show myself worthy of such an honour by refusing it.
I did mistake you for a moment, my dearest friend; I did mistake you; forgive me.

Oh! how happy you have made me; what celestial joy fills my soul! You do respect and esteem me, then, to the utmost?
Ah! de Sigognac, you would really lead me, as your wife, into the hall where all the portraits of your honoured ancestors would look down upon us?
and into the chapel, where your dead mother lies at rest?
I could meet fearlessly, my beloved, the searching gaze of the dead, from whom nothing is hidden; the crown of purity would not be wanting on my brow." "But what!" exclaimed the young baron, "you say that you love me, Isabelle, with all that true, faithful heart of yours, yet you will not accept me! either as lover or husband ?" "You have offered me your name, de Sigognac, your noble, honoured name, and that is enough for me.