"As to you, my dear de Sigognac, I have here for you a royal ordinance,
which constitutes you governor of a province; and no one, I venture to
say, could be more worthy of this distinguished honour than yourself."
Vallombreuse, who had gone out of the room while his father was
speaking, now made his appearance, followed by a servant carrying a box
covered with crimson velvet.
He took it from the lackey at the door, and advancing, placed it upon
the table in front of Isabelle.
"My dear little sister," said he, "will you accept this from me as a
wedding gift?"
On the cover was inscribed "For Isabelle," in golden letters, and it
contained the very casket which the Duke of Vallombreuse had offered at
Poitiers to the young actress, and which she had so indignantly refused
to receive, or even look at.
"You will accept it this time?" he pleaded, with a radiant smile; "and
honour these diamonds of finest water, and these pearls of richest
lustre, by wearing them, for my sake. They are not more pure and
beautiful than yourself."
Isabelle smilingly took up a magnificent necklace and clasped it round
her fair neck, to show that she harboured no resentment; then put the
exquisite bracelets on her round, white arms, and decked herself with
the various superb ornaments that the beautiful casket contained.
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