Any improvement that you may see in me is due to his
influence, and it is no light obligation that I owe to him--though he
will not admit that there is any. The baron comes to ask a favour of
you, which I shall rejoice to see accorded to him."
The prince made a gesture of acquiescence, and looked reassuringly at de
Sigognac, as if inviting him to speak fearlessly for himself. Encouraged
by the expression of his eyes, the baron rose, and, with a low bow,
said, in clear, distinct tones, "Prince, I am here to ask of you the
hand of Mlle. la Comtesse Isabelle de Lineuil, your daughter."
The old nobleman looked at him steadily and searchingly for a moment,
and then, as if satisfied with his scrutiny, answered: "Baron de
Sigognac, I accede to your request, and consent to this alliance, with
great pleasure--so far, that is, as my paternal will accords with the
wishes of my beloved daughter--whom I should never attempt to coerce in
anything. The Comtesse de Lineuil must be consulted in this matter, and
herself decide the question which is of such vital importance to her.
I cannot undertake to answer for her--the whims and fancies of young
ladies are sometimes so odd and unexpected."
The prince said this with a mischievous smile--as if he had not long
known that Isabelle loved de Sigognac with all her heart, and was pining
for him.
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