He has spoken to
me of you several times of late in very flattering terms; looking at me
searchingly, the while, in a way that greatly agitated and troubled me,
for I did not know what might be in his mind, as Vallombreuse had not
then told me that he no longer hated you, and I feared that he would
always do so after his double defeat at your hands. But all the terrible
anxiety is over now, my beloved, and blessed peace and happiness lie
before us."
At this moment the door opened, and the young duke announced to
de Sigognac that his father was waiting to receive him. The baron
immediately rose from his seat beside Isabelle, bowed low to her, and
followed Vallombreuse to the prince's presence. The aged nobleman,
dressed entirely in black, and with his breast covered with orders, was
sitting in a large arm-chair at a table heaped up with books and papers,
with which he had evidently been occupied. His attitude was stately
and dignified, and the expression of his noble, benevolent countenance
affable in the extreme. He rose to receive de Sigognac, gave him a
cordial greeting, and politely bade him be seated.
"My dear father," said Vallombreuse, "I present to you the Baron de
Sigognac; formerly my rival, now my friend, and soon to be my brother,
if you consent.
Pages:
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641