As he could appear upon the stage always masked,
he surely did not compromise his dignity by it."
"Under this theatrical disguise, I think that, without being a sorcerer,
I can detect a little bit of romance, eh?" said the prince, with a
mischievous smile. "But I will not inquire too closely; I know how good
and true you are well enough not to take alarm at any respectful tribute
paid to your charms. I have not been with you long enough yet as a
father, my sweet child, to venture upon sermonizing."
As he paused, Isabelle raised her lovely eyes, in which shone the purest
innocence and the most perfect loyalty, to his, and met his questioning
gaze unflinchingly. The rosy flush which the first mention of de
Sigognac's name had called up was gone, and her countenance showed no
faintest sign of embarrassment or shame. In her pure heart the most
searching looks of a father, of God himself, could have found nothing
to condemn. Just at this point the doctor's assistant was announced, who
brought a most favourable report from the sick-room. He was charged to
tell the prince that his son's condition was eminently satisfactory--a
marked change for the better having taken place; and that Maitre Laurent
considered the danger past--believing that his recovery was now only a
question of time.
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