Whether he lives or
dies, I shall never for one moment blame you for anything in connection
with his misfortune. In any event, it was your virtue and courage that
saved him from being guilty of a crime that I shudder to contemplate.
And now, tell me, who was the handsome young man among your liberators
who seemed to direct the attack, and who wounded Vallombreuse? An actor
doubtless, though it appeared to me that he had a very noble bearing,
and magnificent courage."
"Yes, my dear father," Isabelle replied, with a most lovely and becoming
blush, "he is an actor, a member of our troupe; but if I may venture to
betray his secret, which is already known to the Duke of Vallombreuse,
I will tell you that the so-called Captain Fracasse conceals under his
mask a noble countenance, as indeed you already know, and under his
theatrical pseudonym, the name of an illustrious family."
"True!" rejoined the prince, "I have heard something about that already.
It would certainly have been astonishing if an ordinary, low-born actor
had ventured upon so bold and rash a course as running counter to a Duke
of Vallombreuse, and actually entering into a combat with him; it
needs noble blood for such daring acts. Only a gentleman can conquer a
gentleman, just as a diamond can only be cut by a diamond.
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