If Vallombreuse were only here his society would help to pass the time; but he is staying away so long--and I try in vain to make out what he meant when he told me, with such a significant smile, as he bade me adieu, that I would be pleased with what he was about to do.

Sometimes I fancy that I do understand; but I dare not indulge myself with such blissful thoughts for an instant.

If I did, and were mistaken after all, the disappointment would be too cruel--too heart-rending.

But, if it only could be true! ah! if it only might! I fear I should go mad with excess of joy." The young Comtesse de Lineuil was still absorbed in sad thoughts when a tall lackey appeared, and asked if she would receive his lordship, the Duke of Vallombreuse who had just arrived, at the chateau and desired to speak with her.
"Certainly, I shall be delighted to see him," she said in glad surprise; "ask him to come to me at once." In a few minutes--which had seemed like hours to Isabelle--the young duke made his appearance, with beaming eyes, rosy cheeks, light, elastic step, and that air of glorious health and vigour which had distinguished him before his illness.

He threw down his broad felt hat as he came in, and, hastening to his sister's side, took her pretty white hands and raised them to his lips.
"Dearest Isabelle," he cried, "I am so rejoiced to see you again! I was obliged to stay away from you much longer than I wished, for it is a great deprivation to me now not to be with you every day--I have gotten so thoroughly into the habit of depending upon your sweet society.