In the evening he had played at cards, and lost
ostentatiously sums that would have been of importance to a less wealthy
man--being all the time in a very genial mood--especially after the
arrival of a mounted messenger, who brought him a little note. Thus the
duke's desire to be able to establish an incontestable alibi, in case of
need, had spared Isabelle thus far the infliction of his hated presence;
but while she was congratulating herself upon it, and welcoming the
sunshine that streamed into her room, she heard the drawbridge being let
down, and immediately after a carriage dashed over it and thundered
into the court. Her heart sank, for who would be likely to enter in
that style save the master of the house? Her face grew deathly pale, she
reeled, and for one dreadful moment felt as if she should faint; but,
rallying her courage, she reminded herself that Chiquita had gone to
bring de Sigognac to her aid, and determined afresh to meet bravely
whatever trials might be in store for her, until her beloved knight
and champion should arrive, to rescue her from her terrible danger and
irksome imprisonment. Her eyes involuntarily sought the portrait over
the chimney-piece, and after passionately invoking it, and imploring
its aid and protection, as if it had been her patron saint, she felt
a certain sense of ease and security, as if what she had so earnestly
entreated would really be accorded to her.
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