"Where can he be?
and does he still think of me, and love me as of old?
Yes, I am sure he does; he will be true and faithful to me so long as he lives, my brave, devoted knight! I fear that he has gone back to his desolate, old chateau, and, believing that my brother is dead, does not dare to approach me.

It must be that chimerical obstacle that stands in his way--otherwise he would surely have tried to see me again--or at least have written to me.

Perhaps I ought to have sent him word that Vallombreuse had recovered; yet how could I do that?
A modest woman shrinks from even seeming to wish to entice her absent lover back to her side.

How often I think that I should be far happier if I could have remained as I was--an obscure actress; then I could at least have had the bliss of seeing him every day, and of enjoying in peace the sweetness of being loved by such a noble, tender heart as his.

Despite the touching affection and devotion that my princely father lavishes upon me, I feel sad and lonely in this magnificent chateau.