"
"Well, let him pass, then--but tell me what you think of the Marquis de
l'Estang, who came to see me the other day, and gazed spell-bound at my
lovely sister all the time he was here. He was so overwhelmed by your
surpassing grace, so dazzled by your exquisite beauty, that he was
struck dumb, and when he tried to pay you pretty compliments, did
nothing but stammer and blush. Aside from this timidity, which made him
appear to great disadvantage, and which your ladyship should readily
excuse, since you yourself were the cause of it, the marquis is an
accomplished and estimable gentleman. He is handsome, young, of high
birth and great wealth. He would do capitally for my fair sister, and is
sure to address himself to the prince--if indeed he has not already done
so--as an aspirant to the honour of an alliance with her."
"As I have the honour of belonging to this illustrious family," said
Isabelle a little impatiently, for she was exceedingly annoyed by this
banter, "too much humility would not become me, therefore I will not say
that I consider myself unworthy of such an alliance; but if the Marquis
de l'Estang should ask my hand of my father, I would refuse him. I
have told you, my dear brother, more than once, that I do not wish to
marry--and you know it too--so pray don't tease me any more about it.
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