An account of this unusual conduct on the part of a beautiful young actress chanced to reach the ears of a certain rich and powerful prince, who was very much struck and interested by it, and immediately sought an introduction to my mother.

As his actual rank and position equalled hers of imaginary princess, she received his attentions with evident pleasure.

He was young, handsome, eloquent, and very much in love with her--what wonder then that she yielded at last to his impassioned entreaties, and gave herself to him, though, because of his high station, he could not do as his heart dictated, and make her his wife.

They were very happy in each other's love, and after I was born my young father was devoted to me." "Ah!" interrupted de Sigognac, eagerly, "that explains it all; princely blood does flow in your veins.

I knew it--was sure of it!" "Their happiness continued," resumed Isabelle, "until reasons of state made it necessary for him to tear himself away from her, to go on a diplomatic mission to one of the great capitals of Europe; and ere his return to France an illustrious marriage had been arranged for him by his family, with the sanction of royalty, which he found it impossible to evade.