The Baronne de Sigognac certainly was enchantingly beautiful
in her rich equestrian costume, which displayed the perfection of her
slender, well-rounded figure to the greatest advantage, and there was
a high-bred, dainty look about her which bore silent witness to her
illustrious origin. She was still the sweet, modest Isabelle of old,
but she was also the daughter of a mighty prince, the sister of a proud
young duke, and the honoured wife of a valiant gentleman, whose race had
been noble since before the crusades. Vallombreuse, remarking it, could
not forbear to say: "My dearest sister, how magnificent you look
to-day! Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons, was never more superb, or more
triumphantly beautiful, than you are in this most becoming costume."
Isabelle smiled in reply, as she put her pretty little foot into de
Sigognac's hand, and sprang lightly into her saddle.
Her husband and brother mounted also, and the little cavalcade set forth
in high glee, making the vaulted portico ring with their merry laughter,
as they rode through it. Just in front of the chateau they met the
Marquis de Bruyeres, and several other gentlemen of the neighbourhood,
coming to pay their respects. They wished to go back into the chateau
and receive their guests properly, saying that they could ride out at
any time, but the visitors would not listen to such a thing, and turning
their horses' heads proposed to ride with them.
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