"
"I shall very soon be about again, my sweet little sister, and then I
shall have the pleasure of introducing you into the society suitable
to your rank--where your incomparable grace and beauty will create a
sensation, and bring crowds of adorers to your feet. From among them
you will be able to select a husband, eh?" "I can have no desire to
do anything of that kind, Vallombreuse, and pray do not think this the
foolish declaration of a girl who would be very sorry to be taken at her
word. I am entirely in earnest, I do assure you. I have bestowed my hand
so often in the last act of the pieces I have played that I am in no
hurry to do it in reality. I do not wish for anything better than to
remain quietly here with the prince and yourself."
"But, my dear girl, a father and brother will not always content you--do
not think it! Such affection cannot satisfy the demands of the heart
forever."
"It will be enough for me, however, and if some day they fail me, I can
take refuge in a convent."
"Heaven forbid! that would be carrying austerity too far indeed. I pray
you never to mention it again, if you have any regard for my peace of
mind. And now tell me, my sweet little sister, what do you think of my
dear friend, the Chevalier de Vidalinc? does not he seem to be possessed
of every qualification necessary to make a good husband?"
"Doubtless, and the woman that he marries will have a right to consider
herself fortunate but however charming and desirable your friend may be,
my dear Vallombreuse, _I_ shall never be that woman.
Pages:
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586