"
"Isabelle! a charming and romantic name. But do not confine yourself to
such Lacedaemonian brevity, Maitre Bilot; be prolix! and relate to me,
minutely, everything that you know about the lovely Isabelle."
"I am proud and happy to obey your lordship's commands," the worthy
landlord answered, with a low bow; "my cellar, my kitchen, my tongue and
myself are all at your lordship's disposition. Isabelle is an actress,
belonging to the celebrated troupe of Seignior Herode, stopping at
present at the Armes de France."
"An actress!" exclaimed the young duke, with an air of disappointment.
"I should have taken her for a lady of rank, from her quiet, dignified
mien, or at least a well-bred bourgeoise, rather than a member of a band
of strolling players."
"Yes, your lordship is right; any one might think so, for her
manners and appearance are very lady-like, and she has an untarnished
reputation, despite the difficulties of her position. No one understands
better how to keep all the gallants that hover about her at a respectful
distance; she treats these would-be suitors for her favour with a cold,
reserved, yet perfect politeness that there is no getting over."
"What you say pleases me," interrupted Vallombreuse, "for there
is nothing I so thoroughly despise as a fortress that is ready to
capitulate before the first assault has been made.
Pages:
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260