Meantime Isabelle, left quite alone, tried in vain to interest herself
in a book she had found lying upon one of the side-tables. She read
a few pages mechanically, and then, finding it impossible to fix her
attention upon it, threw the volume from her and sat idly in front of
the fire, which was blazing cheerily, thinking of her own true lover,
and praying that he might be preserved from injury in the impending
struggle. Evening came at last--a servant brought in lights, and soon
after the major-domo announced a visit from the Duke of Vallombreuse.
He entered at once, and greeted his fair captive with the most finished
courtesy. He looked very handsome, in a superb suit of pearl gray satin,
richly trimmed with crimson velvet, and Isabelle could not but admire
his personal appearance, much as she detested his character.
"I have come to see, my adorable Isabelle, whether I shall be more
kindly received than my flowers," said he, drawing up a chair beside
hers. "I have not the vanity to think so, but I want you to become
accustomed to my presence. To-morrow another bouquet, and another
visit."
"Both will be useless, my lord," she replied, "though I am sorry to have
to be so rude as to say so--but I had much better be perfectly frank
with you.
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