I have had only one
fear--that your pride might keep you from ever seeking me again as I
am now. But, even if you had given me up, you would never have loved
another woman, would you, de Sigognac? You would have been faithful to
me always, even though you had renounced me--I felt so sure of that.
Were you thinking of me down there in your ancient chateau, when
Vallombreuse broke in upon your solitude?"
"My dearest Isabelle, by day I had only one thought--of you--and at
night, when I kissed the sacred pillow on which your lovely head had
rested, before laying my own down upon it, I besought the god of dreams
to show me your adored image while I slept."
"And were your prayers sometimes answered?"
"Always--not once was I disappointed--and only when morning came did you
leave me, vanishing through 'the ivory gates.' Oh I how interminable the
sad, lonely days seemed to me, and how I wished that I could sleep, and
dream of you, my angel, all the weary time."
"I saw you also in my dreams, many nights in succession. Our souls must
have met, de Sigognac, while our bodies lay wrapped in slumber. But now,
thanks be to God, we are reunited--and forever. The prince, my father,
knew and approved of your being brought here, Vallombreuse said, so we
can have no opposition to our wishes to fear from him.
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