I beseech
you not to go near the Duke of Vallombreuse at present. Your beloved
presence might, in the excessively weak and exhausted condition of
my patient, cause dangerous agitation. Any strong emotion would be
instantly fatal to him, his hold upon life is still so slight. Perfect
tranquility is his only safety. If all goes well--as I trust and believe
that it will--in a few days he will have regained his strength in a
measure, his wound will be healing, and you can probably be with him as
much as you like, without any fear of doing him harm. I know that this
is very trying to your highness, but, believe me, it is necessary to
your son's well-being."
The prince, very much relieved, and yielding readily to the doctor's
wishes, returned to his own apartment; where he occupied himself with
some religious reading until noon, when the major-domo came to announce
that dinner was on the table.
"Go and tell my daughter, the Comtesse Isabelle de Lineuil--such is the
title by which she is to be addressed henceforth--that I request her to
join me at dinner," said the prince to the major-domo, who hastened off
to obey this order.
Isabelle went quickly down the grand staircase with a light step, and
smiled to herself as she passed through the noble hall where she had
been so frightened by the two figures in armour, on the occasion of
her bold exploring expedition the first night after her arrival at the
chateau.
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