But I did not like to propose the journey to you without being sure that it would please you.

I did not like to tear you away from the delights of the court--of which you are the chief ornament--and take you to that poor, old, half-ruined mansion, the haunt of rats and owls, where I could not hope to make you even comfortable, yet, which I prefer, miserable as it is, to the most luxurious palaces; for it was the home of my ancestors, and the place where I first saw you, my heart's delight!--spot ever sacred and dear to me, upon which I should like to erect an altar." "And I," rejoined Isabelle, "often wonder whether the eglantine in the garden still blooms, as it did for me." "It does," said de Sigognac, "I am sure of it--having once been blessed by your touch, it must be always blooming--even though there be none to see." "Ah! my lord, unlike husbands in general, you are more gallant after marriage than before," Isabelle said, laughingly, yet deeply touched by his tender words, "and you pay your wife compliments as if she were your ladylove.

And now, since I have ascertained that your wishes accord with my whim, will it please your lordship to set out for the Chateau de Sigognac this week?
The weather is fine.

The great heat of summer is over, and we can really enjoy the journey.

Vallombreuse will go with us, and I shall take Chiquita.