Profiting by the opportunity that this pause
gave him, Leander fixed his eyes upon the Marquise de Bruyeres, with
such a look of passionate entreaty and admiration that she blushed
crimson in spite of herself under his ardent gaze; then he turned
reluctantly towards Isabelle, with an absent, indifferent air, which
he intended should indicate to the fair object of his aspirations the
difference between real and simulated passion.
When Pandolphe becomes aware of the presence of Leander he is more
furious than ever, and hustles his daughter and her maid into the house
as quickly as possible, not, however, without Zerbine's finding means to
take from Leander a note for Isabelle, which she slips into the pocket
of her coquettish little apron. The young man, left alone with the irate
father, assures him in the most respectful manner that his intentions
are honourable; that he asks the hand of his fair daughter in marriage;
that he is of gentle birth, has an ample fortune, and is in high favour
at court; that nothing could ever induce him to give up Isabelle; he is
ready to risk everything to win her, for he loves her better than his
life--delicious words, which the young girl listens to with rapture from
her balcony, whence she makes little signs of approval and encouragement
to her lover, quite unknown to the stern father, whose back is turned
to her, and who believes her safely locked up in the house.
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