In addition, her illustrious birth
and exalted position imposed silence upon those around her, and her
sweet dignity and modesty had soon won all hearts--even those of her own
sex--until it was universally conceded that there was not a greater
or truer lady in court circles than the beautiful young Baronne de
Sigognac.
The king, Louis XIII, having heard Isabelle's eventful history, praised
her highly for her virtuous conduct, and evinced great interest in de
Sigognac, whom he heartily commended for his respectful, honourable
gallantry, under circumstances that, according to general opinion, would
authorize all manner of license. His deference to defenceless virtue
peculiarly pleased the chaste, reserved monarch, who had no sympathy
with, or indulgence for the wild, unbridled excesses of the licentious
youth of his capital and court. As to Vallombreuse, he had entirely
changed and amended his way of life, and seemed to find unfailing
pleasure and satisfaction, as well as benefit, in the companionship
of his new friend and brother, to whom he was devoted, and who fully
reciprocated his warm affection; while the prince, his father, joyfully
dwelt in the bosom of his reunited family, and found in it the happiness
he had vainly sought before.
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