"
"Oh! what a fierce, determined little woman is this fair sister of mine.
Diana herself was not more inaccessible, in the forests and valleys of
Haemus--yet, if the naughty mythological stories may be believed, she
did at last smile upon a certain Endymion. You are vexed, because I
casually propose some suitable candidates for the honour of your hand;
but you need not be, for, if THEY do not please you, we will hunt up one
who will."
"I am not vexed, my dear brother, but you are certainly talking far too
much for an invalid, and I shall tell Maitre, Laurent to reprimand you,
or not permit you to have the promised bit of fowl for your supper."
"Oh! if that's the case I will desist at once," said Vallombreuse,
with a droll air of submission, "for I'm as hungry as an ogre--but
rest assured of one thing, my charming sister: No one shall select your
husband but myself."
To put an end to this teasing, Isabelle began to read the corsair's long
story, without paying any attention to the indignant protests that were
made, and Vallombreuse, to revenge himself, finally closed his eyes
and pretended to be asleep; which feigned slumber soon became real,
and Isabelle, perceiving that it was so, put aside her book and quietly
stole away.
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