The prince, my father, knew and approved of your being brought here, Vallombreuse said, so we can have no opposition to our wishes to fear from him.

He has spoken to me of you several times of late in very flattering terms; looking at me searchingly, the while, in a way that greatly agitated and troubled me, for I did not know what might be in his mind, as Vallombreuse had not then told me that he no longer hated you, and I feared that he would always do so after his double defeat at your hands.

But all the terrible anxiety is over now, my beloved, and blessed peace and happiness lie before us." At this moment the door opened, and the young duke announced to de Sigognac that his father was waiting to receive him.

The baron immediately rose from his seat beside Isabelle, bowed low to her, and followed Vallombreuse to the prince's presence.

The aged nobleman, dressed entirely in black, and with his breast covered with orders, was sitting in a large arm-chair at a table heaped up with books and papers, with which he had evidently been occupied.