As he could appear upon the stage always masked, he surely did not compromise his dignity by it." "Under this theatrical disguise, I think that, without being a sorcerer, I can detect a little bit of romance, eh ?" said the prince, with a mischievous smile.

"But I will not inquire too closely; I know how good and true you are well enough not to take alarm at any respectful tribute paid to your charms.

I have not been with you long enough yet as a father, my sweet child, to venture upon sermonizing." As he paused, Isabelle raised her lovely eyes, in which shone the purest innocence and the most perfect loyalty, to his, and met his questioning gaze unflinchingly.

The rosy flush which the first mention of de Sigognac's name had called up was gone, and her countenance showed no faintest sign of embarrassment or shame.

In her pure heart the most searching looks of a father, of God himself, could have found nothing to condemn.