She feared that she would necessarily be a disadvantage to you--an obstacle in the way of your advancement.

But the situation is entirely changed now." "Yes, now it is I who would be a disadvantage to her; have I then a right to be less generous and magnanimous than she was ?" "Do you still love my sister ?" said Vallombreuse, in a grave tone.

"As her brother, I have the right to ask this question." "I love her with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength," de Sigognac replied fervently, "as much and more than ever man loved woman on this earth--where nothing is perfect--save Isabelle." "Such being the case, my dear Captain of Mousquetaires, and governor of a province--soon to be--have your horse saddled, and come with me to the Chateau of Vallombreuse, so that I may formally present you to the prince, my father, as the favoured suitor of the Comtesse de Lineuil, my sister.

Isabelle has refused even to think of the Chevalier de Vidalinc, or the Marquis de l'Estang, as aspirants to her hand--both right handsome, attractive, eligible young fellows, by Jove!--but I am of opinion that she will accept, without very much persuasion, the Baron de Sigognac." The next day the duke and the baron were riding gaily forward, side by side, on the road to Paris..