After a splendid collation, graced by the presence of the bride and
groom, the happy pair vanished; but we will not attempt to follow them,
or intrude upon their privacy--turning away at the very threshold of
the nuptial chamber, singing, in low tones, after the fashion of the
ancients, "Hymen! oh Hymen!"
The mysteries of such sacred happiness as theirs should be respected;
and besides, sweet, modest Isabelle would have died of shame if so much
as a single one of the pins that held her bodice were indiscreetly drawn
out.
CHAPTER XXII. THE CASTLE OF HAPPINESS
EPILOGUE
It will be readily believed that our sweet Isabelle had not forgotten,
in her exceeding happiness as Mme. la Baronne de Sigognac, her former
companions of Herode's troupe. As she could not invite them to her
wedding because they would have been so much out of place there--she
had, in commemoration of that auspicious occasion, sent handsome and
appropriate gifts to them all; offered with a grace so charming that
it redoubled their value. So long as the company remained in Paris, she
went often to see them play; applauding her old friends heartily, and
judiciously as well, knowing just where the applause should be given.
The young baronne did not attempt to conceal the fact that she had
formerly been an actress herself--not parading it, but referring to it
quietly, if necessary, as a matter of course; an excellent method to
disarm ill-natured tongues, which would surely have wagged vigorously
had any mystery been made about it.
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