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The young Comtesse de Lineuil was still absorbed in sad thoughts when a tall lackey appeared, and asked if she would receive his lordship, the Duke of Vallombreuse who had just arrived, at the chateau and desired to speak with her. "Certainly, I shall be delighted to see him," she said in glad surprise; "ask him to come to me at once."
"I will do my best to atone for it now, my dearest de Sigognac, in giving you this hand you wished for, together with my heart, which has long been all your own. The Comtesse de Lineuil is not bound to be governed by the scruples of Isabelle, the actress. I have had only one fear that your pride might keep you from ever seeking me again as I am now.
"Such being the case, my dear Captain of Mousquetaires, and governor of a province soon to be have your horse saddled, and come with me to the Chateau of Vallombreuse, so that I may formally present you to the prince, my father, as the favoured suitor of the Comtesse de Lineuil, my sister.
Meanwhile, Isabelle, here is your dowry, the deed of the estate of Lineuil from which you derive your title, and which yields you an income of fifty thousand crowns per annum together with rent-rolls, and all the various documents appertaining thereto" and he handed a formidable roll of papers to her.
Vallombreuse alighted, took de Sigognac's arm, and led him silently to his own apartment, after having ordered a servant to conduct Chiquita to the presence of the Comtesse de Lineuil. At sight of her Isabelle was greatly astonished, and, laying down the book she was reading, fixed upon the poor child a look full of interest, affection, and questioning.
But one thing yet tell me before I go, Isabelle, Comtesse de Lineuil, whether you really do intend to accept the Baron de Sigognac as your husband I don't want to run any risk of making a blunder at this stage of the proceedings, you understand, after having conducted the negotiations successfully up to this point.
The true, faithful lover of Isabelle, the actress, should be the honoured husband of the Comtesse de Lineuil." "But you forget," cried de Sigognac, in much agitation, "that she always absolutely refused me, though she knew that I was perfectly disinterested." "It was because of her supreme delicacy, her angelic susceptibility, and her noble spirit of self-sacrifice that she said that.
"Go and tell my daughter, the Comtesse Isabelle de Lineuil such is the title by which she is to be addressed henceforth that I request her to join me at dinner," said the prince to the major-domo, who hastened off to obey this order.
At this title of comtesse, spoken as a matter of course, and in such a kind, tender tone, Isabelle looked up at the prince with astonishment written in her beautiful, deep blue eyes, which seemed to plead timidly for an explanation. "Yes, Comtesse de Lineuil; it is the title which goes with an estate I have settled on you, my dear child, and which has long been destined for you.
"Comtesse de Lineuil," said Vallombreuse, in an emphatic tone of voice, "permit me to present to you one of my dearest friends, for whom I entreat your favour the Baron de Sigognac." As he pronounced this name, which she at first believed to be a jest on her brother's part, Isabelle started, trembled violently, and then glanced up timidly at the newcomer.
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