"
As he pronounced this name, which she at first believed to be a jest
on her brother's part, Isabelle started, trembled violently, and then
glanced up timidly at the newcomer.
When she saw that Vallombreuse had not deceived her, that it was really
he, her own true lover, standing there before her, she turned deathly
pale, and had nearly fallen from her chair; then the quick reaction
came, and a most lovely blush spread itself all over her fair face, and
even her snowy neck, as far as it could be seen. Without a word, she
sprang up, and throwing her arms round her brother's neck hid her face
on his shoulder, while two or three convulsive sobs shook her slender
frame and a little shower of tears fell from her eyes. By this
instinctive movement, so exquisitely modest and truly feminine, Isabelle
manifested all the exceeding delicacy and purity of her nature. Thus
were her warm thanks to Vallombreuse, whose kindness and generosity
overcame her, mutely expressed; and as she could not follow the dictates
of her heart, and throw herself into her lover's arms, she took refuge
in her transport of joy with her brother, who had restored him to her.
Vallombreuse supported her tenderly for a few moments, until he found
she was growing calmer, when he gently disengaged himself from her
clasping arms, and drawing down the hands with which she had covered her
face, to hide its tears and blushes, said, "My sweet sister, do not,
I pray you, hide your lovely face from us; I fear my protege will be
driven to believe that you entertain such an invincible dislike to him
you will not even look at him.
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