"
The action followed so quickly upon the words that Isabelle, terrified
at this cruel effrontery, had scarcely time to start to one side, and so
escape his profane touch; but the duke was not one to be easily balked
in anything he particularly desired to do, and pressing nearer he
again extended his hand towards Isabelle's white neck, and had almost
succeeded in accomplishing his object, when his arm was seized from
behind, and held firmly in a grasp of iron.
Furiously angry, he turned his head to see who had dared to lay hands
upon his sacred person, and perceived that it was the odious Captain
Fracasse.
"My lord duke," said he calmly, still holding his wrist firmly,
"Mademoiselle is in need of no assistance from you, or any one else, in
this matter." Then his grasp relaxed and he let go of the duke's arm.
Vallombreuse, who looked positively hideous at that moment, his face
pale to ghastliness and disfigured by the rage he felt, grasped the hilt
of his sword with the hand released by de Sigognac, and drew it partly
out of its scabbard, as if he meant to attack him, his eyes flashing
fire and every feature working in its frenzy--the baron meanwhile
standing perfectly motionless, quietly awaiting the onset.
But ere he had touched him the duke stopped short; a sudden thought
had extinguished his blazing fury like a douche of cold water; his
self-control returned, his face resumed its wonted expression, the
colour came to his lips, and his eyes showed the most icy disdain, the
most supreme contempt that it could be possible for one human being to
manifest for another.
Pages:
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273