la Comtesse Isabelle de Lineuil, your daughter." The old nobleman looked at him steadily and searchingly for a moment, and then, as if satisfied with his scrutiny, answered: "Baron de Sigognac, I accede to your request, and consent to this alliance, with great pleasure--so far, that is, as my paternal will accords with the wishes of my beloved daughter--whom I should never attempt to coerce in anything.

The Comtesse de Lineuil must be consulted in this matter, and herself decide the question which is of such vital importance to her.
I cannot undertake to answer for her--the whims and fancies of young ladies are sometimes so odd and unexpected." The prince said this with a mischievous smile--as if he had not long known that Isabelle loved de Sigognac with all her heart, and was pining for him.

After a brief pause, he added: "Vallombreuse, go and fetch your sister, for, without her, I cannot give a definite answer to the Baron de Sigognac." The young duke accordingly went for Isabelle, who was greatly alarmed at this summons, and obeyed it in fear and trembling.

Despite her brother's assurances, she could not bring herself to believe in the reality of such great happiness.

Her breast heaved tumultuously, her face was very pale, at each step her knees threatened to give way under her, and when her father drew her fondly to his side she was forced to grasp the arm of his chair tightly, to save herself from falling.
"My daughter," said the prince gravely, "here is a gentleman who does you the honour to sue for your hand.