CHAPTER XXI. HYMEN! OH HYMEN!
Isabelle, accustomed to Chiquita's odd, enigmatical ways, had refrainedfrom questioning her--waiting to ask for explanations until the poorgirl should have become more quiet, and able to give them. She could seethat some terrible catastrophe must have occurred, which had left allher nerves quivering, and caused the strong shudders that passed overher in rapid succession; but the child had rendered her such goodservice, in her own hour of need, that she felt the least she coulddo was to receive and care for the poor little waif tenderly, withoutmaking any inquiries as to her evidently desperate situation. Aftergiving her in charge to her own maid, with orders that she should beproperly clothed, and made thoroughly comfortable in every way, Isabelleresumed her reading--or rather tried to resume it; but her thoughtswould wander, and after mechanically turning over a few pages in alistless way, she laid the book down, beside her neglected embroidery,on a little table at her elbow. Leaning her head on her hand, andclosing her eyes, she lapsed into a sorrowful reverie--as, indeed, shehad done of late many times every day.
"Oh! what has become of de Sigognac?" she said to herself. "Where can hebe? and does he still think of me, and love me as of old? Yes, I amsure he does; he will be true and faithful to me so long as he lives, mybrave, devoted knight! I fear that he has gone back to his desolate,old chateau, and, believing that my brother is dead, does not dare toapproach me. It must be that chimerical obstacle that stands in hisway--otherwise he would surely have tried to see me again--or atleast have written to me. Perhaps I ought to have sent him word thatVallombreuse had recovered; yet how could I do that? A modest womanshrinks from even seeming to wish to entice her absent lover back toher side. How often I think that I should be far happier if I could haveremained as I was--an obscure actress; then I could at least havehad the bliss of seeing him every day, and of enjoying in peace thesweetness of being loved by such a noble, tender heart as his. Despitethe touching affection and devotion that my princely father lavishesupon me, I feel sad and lonely in this magnificent chateau. IfVallombreuse were only here his society would help to pass the time; buthe is staying away so long--and I try in vain to make out what he meantwhen he told me, with such a significant smile, as he bade me adieu,that I would be pleased with what he was about to do. Sometimes I fancythat I do understand; but I dare not indulge myself with such blissfulthoughts for an instant. If I did, and were mistaken after all, thedisappointment would be too cruel--too heart-rending. But, if it onlycould be true! ah! if it only might! I fear I should go mad with excessof joy."
The young Comtesse de Lineuil was still absorbed in sad thoughts when atall lackey appeared, and asked if she would receive his lordship, theDuke of Vallombreuse who had just arrived, at the chateau and desired tospeak with her.
"Certainly, I shall be delighted to see him," she said in glad surprise;"ask him to come to me at once."
In a few minutes--which had seemed like hours to Isabelle--the youngduke made his appearance, with beaming eyes, rosy cheeks, light, elasticstep, and that air of glorious health and vigour which had distinguishedhim before his illness. He threw down his broad felt hat as he came in,and, hastening to his sister's side, took her pretty white hands andraised them to his lips.
"Dearest Isabelle," he cried, "I am so rejoiced to see you again! I wasobliged to stay away from you much longer than I wished, for it is agreat deprivation to me now not to be with you every day--I have gottenso thoroughly into the habit of depending upon your sweet society. ButI have been occupied entirely with your interests during my absence, andthe hope of pleasing my darling sister, and adding to her happiness, hashelped me to endure the long separation from her."
"The way to please me most, as you ought to have known," Isabellereplied, "was to stay here at home quietly with your father and me, andlet us take care of you, instead of rushing off so rashly--with yourwound scarcely healed, or your health fully re-established--on somefoolish errand or other, that you were not willing to acknowledge."
"Was I ever really wounded, or ill?" said Vallombreuse, laughing. "Uponmy word I had forgotten all about it. Never in my life was I in betterhealth than at this moment, and my little expedition has done me no endof good. But you, my sweet sister, are not looking as well as when Ileft you; you have grown thin and pale. What is the matter? I fear thatyou find your life here at the chateau very dull. Solitude and seclusionare not at all the thing for a beautiful young woman, I know. Readingand embroidery are but melancholy pastimes at best and there must bemoments when even the gravest, most sedate of maidens grows weary ofgazing out upon the stagnant waters of the moat, and longs to look uponthe face of a handsome young knight."
"Oh! what an unmerciful tease you are, Vallombreuse, and how you do loveto torment me with these strange fancies of yours. You forget that Ihave had the society of the prince, who is so kind and devoted to me,and who abounds in wise and instructive discourse."
"Yes, there is no doubt that our worthy father is a most learned andaccomplished gentleman, honoured and admired at home and abroad; but hispursuits and occupations are too grave and weighty for you to share, mydear little sister, and I don't want to see your youth passed altogetherin such a solemn way. As you would not smile upon my friend, theChevalier de Vidalinc, nor condescend to listen to the suit of theMarquis de l'Estang, I concluded to go in search of somebody that wouldbe more likely to please your fastidious taste, and, my dear, I havefound him. Such a charming, perfect, ideal husband he will make! I amconvinced that you will dote upon him."
"It is downright cruelty, Vallombreuse, to persecute me as you do, withsuch unfeeling jests. You know perfectly well that I do not wish tomarry; I cannot give my hand without my heart, and my heart is not mineto give."
"But you will talk very differently, I do assure you, my dear littlesister, when you see the husband I have chosen for you."
"Never! never!" cried Isabelle, whose voice betrayed her distress."I shall always be faithful to a memory that is infinitely dear andprecious to me; for I cannot think that you intend to force me to actagainst my will."
"Oh, no! I am not quite such a tyrant as that; I only ask you not toreject my protege before you have seen him."
Without waiting for her reply, Vallombreuse abruptly left the room, andreturned in a moment with de Sigognac, whose heart was throbbing asif it would burst out of his breast. The two young men, hand in hand,paused on the threshold, hoping that Isabelle would turn her eyestowards them; but she modestly cast them down and kept them fixed uponthe floor, while her thoughts flew far away, to hover about the belovedbeing who she little dreamed was so near her. Vallombreuse, seeing thatshe took no notice of them, and had fallen into a reverie, advancedtowards her, still holding de Sigognac by the hand, and made aceremonious bow, as did also his companion; but while the young duke wassmiling and gay, de Sigognac was deeply agitated, and very pale. Braveas a lion when he had to do with men, he was timid with women--as areall generous, manly hearts.
"Comtesse de Lineuil," said Vallombreuse, in an emphatic tone of voice,"permit me to present to you one of my dearest friends, for whom Ientreat your favour--the Baron de Sigognac."
As he pronounced this name, which she at first believed to be a jeston her brother's part, Isabelle started, trembled violently, and thenglanced up timidly at the newcomer.
When she saw that Vallombreuse had not deceived her, that it was reallyhe, her own true lover, standing there before her, she turned deathlypale, and had nearly fallen from her chair; then the quick reactioncame, and a most lovely blush spread itself all over her fair face, andeven her snowy neck, as far as it could be seen. Without a word, shesprang up, and throwing her arms round her brother's neck hid her faceon his shoulder, while two or three convulsive sobs shook her slenderframe and a little shower of tears fell from her eyes. By thisinstinctive movement, so exquisitely modest and truly feminine, Isabellemanifested all the exceeding delicacy and purity of her nature. Thuswere her warm thanks to Vallombreuse, whose kindness and generosit
yovercame her, mutely expressed; and as she could not follow the dictatesof her heart, and throw herself into her lover's arms, she took refugein her transport of joy with her brother, who had restored him to her.
Vallombreuse supported her tenderly for a few moments, until he foundshe was growing calmer, when he gently disengaged himself from herclasping arms, and drawing down the hands with which she had covered herface, to hide its tears and blushes, said, "My sweet sister, do not,I pray you, hide your lovely face from us; I fear my protege will bedriven to believe that you entertain such an invincible dislike to himyou will not even look at him."
Isabelle raised her drooping head, and turning full upon de Sigognac herglorious eyes, shining with a celestial joy, in spite of the sparklingtear-drops that still hung upon their long lashes, held out to him herbeautiful white hand, which he took reverentially in both his own,and bending down pressed fervently to his lips. The passionate kiss heimprinted upon it thrilled through Isabelle's whole being, and for asecond she turned faint and giddy; but the delicious ecstasy, whichis almost anguish, of such emotion as hers, is never hurtful, and shepresently looked up and smiled reassuringly upon her anxious lover, asthe colour returned to her lips and cheeks, and the warm light to hereyes.
"And now tell me, my sweet little sister," began Vallombreuse, with anair of triumph, and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "wasn't I rightwhen I declared that you would smile upon the husband I had chosen foryou? and would not be discouraged, though you were so obstinate? If Ihad not been equally so, this dear de Sigognac would have gone back tohis far-away chateau, without even having seen you; and that would havebeen a pity, as you must admit."
"Yes, I do admit it, my dearest brother, and also that you have beenadorably kind and good to me. You were the only one who, under thecircumstances, could bring about this reunion, and we both know how toappreciate what you have so nobly and generously done for us."
"Yes, indeed," said de Sigognac warmly; "your brother has given us ampleproof of the nobility and generosity of his nature--he magnanimously putaside the resentment that might seem legitimate, and came to me with hishand outstretched, and his heart in it. He revenges himself nobly forthe harm I was obliged to do him, by imposing an eternal gratitude uponme--a light burden, that I shall bear joyfully so long as I live."
"Say nothing more about that, my dear baron!" Vallombreuse exclaimed."You would have done as much in my place. The differences of two valiantadversaries are very apt to end in a warm mutual attachment--we weredestined from the beginning to become, sooner or later, a devoted pairof friends; like Theseus and Pirithous, Nisus and Euryalus, or Damon andPythias. But never mind about me now, and tell my sister how you werethinking of her, and longing for her, in that lonely chateau of yours;where, by the way, I made one of the best meals I ever had in my life,though you do pretend that starvation is the rule down there."
"And _I_ had a charming supper there too," said Isabelle with a smile,"which I look back upon with the greatest pleasure."
"Nevertheless," rejoined de Sigognac, "plenty does not abound there--butI cannot regret the blessed poverty that was the means of first winningme your regard, my precious darling! I am thankful for it--I oweeverything to it."
"_I_ am of opinion," interrupted Vallombreuse, with a significant smile,"that it would be well for me to go and report myself to my father. Iwant to announce your arrival to him myself, de Sigognac! Not that hewill need to be specially prepared to receive you, for I am bound toconfess--what may surprise my little sister here--that he knew such athing might come about, and was equally implicated with my gracelessself in this little conspiracy. But one thing yet--tell me before I go,Isabelle, Comtesse de Lineuil, whether you really do intend to acceptthe Baron de Sigognac as your husband--I don't want to run any risk ofmaking a blunder at this stage of the proceedings, you understand, afterhaving conducted the negotiations successfully up to this point. You dodefinitely and finally accept him, eh?--that is well--and now I willgo to the prince. Engaged lovers sometimes have matters to discuss thateven a brother may not hear, so I will leave you together, feeling surethat you will both thank me for it in your hearts. Adieu!--make themost of your time, for I shall soon return to conduct de Sigognac to theprince."
With a laughing nod the young duke picked up his hat and went away,leaving the two happy lovers alone together, and--however agreeable hiscompany may have been to them, it must be admitted that his absence was,as he had predicted, very welcome to both. The Baron de Sigognac eagerlyapproached Isabelle, and--again possessed himself of her fair hand,which she did not withdraw from his warm, loving clasp. Neither spoke,and for a few minutes the fond lovers stood side by side and gazed intoeach other's eyes. Such silence is more eloquent than any words. At lastde Sigognac said softly, "I can scarcely believe even yet in the realityof so much bliss. Oh! what a strange, contradictory destiny is mine. Youloved me, my darling, because I was poor and unhappy--and thus mypast misery was the direct cause of my present felicity. A troupe ofstrolling actors, who chanced to seek refuge under my crumbling roof,held in reserve for me an angel of purity and goodness--a hostileencounter has given me a devoted friend--and, most wonderful of all,your forcible abduction led to your meeting the fond father who hadbeen seeking you so many years in vain. And all this because a Thespianchariot went astray one stormy night in the Landes."
"We were destined for each other--it was all arranged for us in heavenabove. Twin souls are sure to come together at last, if they can onlyhave patience to wait for the meeting. I felt instinctively, when we metat the Chateau de Sigognac, that you were my fate. At sight of you myheart, which had always lain dormant before, and never responded to anyappeal, thrilled within me, and, unasked, yielded to you all its loveand allegiance. Your very timidity won more for you than the greatestboldness and assurance could have done, and from the first moment ofour acquaintance I resolved never to give myself to any one but you, orGod."
"And yet, cruel, hard-hearted child that you were--though so divinelygood and lovely--you refused your hand to me, when I sued for it on myknees. I know well that it was all through generosity, and that of thenoblest--but, my darling, it was a very cruel generosity too."
"I will do my best to atone for it now, my dearest de Sigognac, ingiving you this hand you wished for, together with my heart, whichhas long been all your own. The Comtesse de Lineuil is not bound to begoverned by the scruples of Isabelle, the actress. I have had only onefear--that your pride might keep you from ever seeking me again as Iam now. But, even if you had given me up, you would never have lovedanother woman, would you, de Sigognac? You would have been faithful tome always, even though you had renounced me--I felt so sure of that.Were you thinking of me down there in your ancient chateau, whenVallombreuse broke in upon your solitude?"
"My dearest Isabelle, by day I had only one thought--of you--and atnight, when I kissed the sacred pillow on which your lovely head hadrested, before laying my own down upon it, I besought the god of dreamsto show me your adored image while I slept."
"And were your prayers sometimes answered?"
"Always--not once was I disappointed--and only when morning came did youleave me, vanishing through 'the ivory gates.' Oh I how interminable thesad, lonely days seemed to me, and how I wished that I could sleep, anddream of you, my angel, all the weary time."
"I saw you also in my dreams, many nights in succession. Our souls musthave met, de Sigognac, while our bodies lay wrapped in slumber. But now,thanks be to God, we are reunited--and forever. The prince, my father,knew and approved of your being brought here, Vallombreuse said, so wecan have no opposition to our wishes to fear from him. He has spoken tome of you several times of late in very flattering terms; looking at mesearchingly, the while, in a way that greatly agitated and troubled me,for I did not know what might be in his mind, as Vallombreuse had notthen told me that he no longer hated you, and I feared that he wouldalways do so after his double defeat at your hands. But all the terribleanxiety is over now, my belov
ed, and blessed peace and happiness liebefore us."
At this moment the door opened, and the young duke announced tode Sigognac that his father was waiting to receive him. The baronimmediately rose from his seat beside Isabelle, bowed low to her, andfollowed Vallombreuse to the prince's presence. The aged nobleman,dressed entirely in black, and with his breast covered with orders, wassitting in a large arm-chair at a table heaped up with books and papers,with which he had evidently been occupied. His attitude was statelyand dignified, and the expression of his noble, benevolent countenanceaffable in the extreme. He rose to receive de Sigognac, gave him acordial greeting, and politely bade him be seated.
"My dear father," said Vallombreuse, "I present to you the Baron deSigognac; formerly my rival, now my friend, and soon to be my brother,if you consent. Any improvement that you may see in me is due to hisinfluence, and it is no light obligation that I owe to him--though hewill not admit that there is any. The baron comes to ask a favour ofyou, which I shall rejoice to see accorded to him."
The prince made a gesture of acquiescence, and looked reassuringly at deSigognac, as if inviting him to speak fearlessly for himself. Encouragedby the expression of his eyes, the baron rose, and, with a low bow,said, in clear, distinct tones, "Prince, I am here to ask of you thehand of Mlle. la Comtesse Isabelle de Lineuil, your daughter."
The old nobleman looked at him steadily and searchingly for a moment,and then, as if satisfied with his scrutiny, answered: "Baron deSigognac, I accede to your request, and consent to this alliance, withgreat pleasure--so far, that is, as my paternal will accords with thewishes of my beloved daughter--whom I should never attempt to coerce inanything. The Comtesse de Lineuil must be consulted in this matter, andherself decide the question which is of such vital importance to her.I cannot undertake to answer for her--the whims and fancies of youngladies are sometimes so odd and unexpected."
The prince said this with a mischievous smile--as if he had not longknown that Isabelle loved de Sigognac with all her heart, and was piningfor him. After a brief pause, he added: "Vallombreuse, go and fetch yoursister, for, without her, I cannot give a definite answer to the Baronde Sigognac."
The young duke accordingly went for Isabelle, who was greatly alarmed atthis summons, and obeyed it in fear and trembling. Despite her brother'sassurances, she could not bring herself to believe in the reality ofsuch great happiness. Her breast heaved tumultuously, her face was verypale, at each step her knees threatened to give way under her, and whenher father drew her fondly to his side she was forced to grasp the armof his chair tightly, to save herself from falling.
"My daughter," said the prince gravely, "here is a gentleman who doesyou the honour to sue for your hand. For my own part, I should hailthis union with joy--for he is of an ancient and illustrious family,of stainless reputation and tried courage, and appears to me to possessevery qualification that heart could desire. I am perfectly satisfiedwith him--but has he succeeded in pleasing you, my child? Young heads donot always agree with gray ones. Examine your own heart carefully,and tell me if you are willing to accept the Baron de Sigognac as yourhusband. Take plenty of time to consider--you shall not be hurried, mydear child, in so grave a matter as this."
The prince's kindly, cordial smile gave evidence that he was in aplayful mood, and Isabelle, plucking up courage, threw her arms roundher father's neck, and said in the softest tones, "There is no need forme to consider or hesitate, my dear lord and father! Since the Baron deSigognac is so happy as to please you, I confess, freely and frankly,that I have loved him ever since we first met, and have never wished forany other alliance. To obey, you in this will be my highest happiness."
"And now clasp hands, my children, and exchange the kiss of betrothal,"cried the Duke of Vallombreuse gaily. "Verily, the romance ends morehappily than could have been expected after such a stormy beginning. Andnow the next question is, when shall the wedding be?"
"It will take a little time to make due preparation," said the prince."So many people must be set to work, in order that the marriage of myonly daughter may be worthily celebrated. Meanwhile, Isabelle, here isyour dowry, the deed of the estate of Lineuil--from which you deriveyour title, and which yields you an income of fifty thousand crownsper annum--together with rent-rolls, and all the various documentsappertaining thereto"--and he handed a formidable roll of papers to her."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 tosay, could be more worthy of this distinguished honour than yourself."
Vallombreuse, who had gone out of the room while his father wasspeaking, now made his appearance, followed by a servant carrying a boxcovered with crimson velvet.
He took it from the lackey at the door, and advancing, placed it uponthe table in front of Isabelle.
"My dear little sister," said he, "will you accept this from me as awedding gift?"
On the cover was inscribed "For Isabelle," in golden letters, and itcontained the very casket which the Duke of Vallombreuse had offered atPoitiers to the young actress, and which she had so indignantly refusedto receive, or even look at.
"You will accept it this time?" he pleaded, with a radiant smile; "andhonour these diamonds of finest water, and these pearls of richestlustre, by wearing them, for my sake. They are not more pure andbeautiful than yourself."
Isabelle smilingly took up a magnificent necklace and clasped it roundher fair neck, to show that she harboured no resentment; then put theexquisite bracelets on her round, white arms, and decked herself withthe various superb ornaments that the beautiful casket contained.
And now we have only to add, that a week later Isabelle and de Sigognacwere united in marriage in the chapel at Vallombreuse, which wasbrilliantly lighted, and filled with fragrance from the profusion offlowers that converted it into a very bower. The music was heavenly, thefair bride adorably beautiful, with her long white veil floating abouther, and the Baron de Sigognac radiant with happiness. The Marquis deBruyeres was one of his witnesses, and a most brilliant and aristocraticassemblage "assisted" at this notable wedding in high life. No one, whohad not been previously informed of it, could ever have suspectedthat the lovely bride--at once so noble and modest, so dignified andgraceful, so gentle and refined, yet with as lofty a bearing as aprincess of the blood royal--had only a short time before been one of aband of strolling players, nightly fulfilling her duties as an actress.While de Sigognac, governor of a province, captain of mousquetaires,superbly dressed, dignified, stately and affable, the very beau-idealof a distinguished young nobleman, had nothing about him to recallthe poor, shabby, disconsolate youth, almost starving in his dreary,half-ruined chateau, whose misery was described at the beginning of thistale.
After a splendid collation, graced by the presence of the bride andgroom, the happy pair vanished; but we will not attempt to follow them,or intrude upon their privacy--turning away at the very threshold ofthe nuptial chamber, singing, in low tones, after the fashion of theancients, "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 muchas a single one of the pins that held her bodice were indiscreetly drawnout.
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 formercompanions of Herode's troupe. As she could not invite them to herwedding because they would have been so much out of place there--shehad, in commemoration of that auspicious occasion, sent handsome andappropriate gifts to them all; offered with a grace so charming thatit redoubled their value. So long as the company remained in Paris, shewent often to see them play; applauding her old friends heartily, andjudiciously as well, knowing just where the applause should be given.The young baronne did not attempt to conceal the fact that she hadformerly been an actress herself--not parading it, but referring to itq
uietly, if necessary, as a matter of course; an excellent method todisarm ill-natured tongues, which would surely have wagged vigorouslyhad any mystery been made about it. In addition, her illustrious birthand exalted position imposed silence upon those around her, and hersweet dignity and modesty had soon won all hearts--even those of her ownsex--until it was universally conceded that there was not a greateror truer lady in court circles than the beautiful young Baronne deSigognac.
The king, Louis XIII, having heard Isabelle's eventful history, praisedher highly for her virtuous conduct, and evinced great interest in deSigognac, whom he heartily commended for his respectful, honourablegallantry, under circumstances that, according to general opinion, wouldauthorize all manner of license. His deference to defenceless virtuepeculiarly pleased the chaste, reserved monarch, who had no sympathywith, or indulgence for the wild, unbridled excesses of the licentiousyouth of his capital and court. As to Vallombreuse, he had entirelychanged and amended his way of life, and seemed to find unfailingpleasure and satisfaction, as well as benefit, in the companionshipof his new friend and brother, to whom he was devoted, and who fullyreciprocated his warm affection; while the prince, his father, joyfullydwelt in the bosom of his reunited family, and found in it the happinesshe had vainly sought before. The young husband and wife led a charminglife, more and more in love with and devoted to each other, and neverexperiencing that satiety of bliss which is ruinous to the most perfecthappiness. Although Isabelle had no concealments from her husband, andshared even her inmost thoughts with him, yet for a time she seemed verymuch occupied with some mysterious business--apparently exclusively herown.
She had secret conferences with her steward, with an architect, andalso with certain sculptors and painters--all without de Sigognac'sknowledge, and by the connivance of Vallombreuse, who seemed to be herconfidant, aider and abettor.
One fine morning, several months after their marriage, Isabelle said tode Sigognac, as if a sudden thought had struck her: "My dear lord, doyou never think of your poor, deserted, old chateau? and have you nodesire to return to the birthplace of our love?"
"I am not so unfeeling as that, my darling, and I have thought of itlongingly many times of late. But I did not like to propose the journeyto you without being sure that it would please you. I did not like totear you away from the delights of the court--of which you are the chiefornament--and take you to that poor, old, half-ruined mansion, the hauntof rats and owls, where I could not hope to make you even comfortable,yet, which I prefer, miserable as it is, to the most luxurious palaces;for it was the home of my ancestors, and the place where I first sawyou, my heart's delight!--spot ever sacred and dear to me, upon which Ishould like to erect an altar."
"And I," rejoined Isabelle, "often wonder whether the eglantine in thegarden still blooms, as it did for me."
"It does," said de Sigognac, "I am sure of it--having once been blessedby your touch, it must be always blooming--even though there be none tosee."
"Ah! my lord, unlike husbands in general, you are more gallant aftermarriage than before," Isabelle said, laughingly, yet deeply touched byhis tender words, "and you pay your wife compliments as if she were yourladylove. And now, since I have ascertained that your wishes accordwith my whim, will it please your lordship to set out for the Chateaude Sigognac this week? The weather is fine. The great heat of summer isover, and we can really enjoy the journey. Vallombreuse will go withus, and I shall take Chiquita. She will be glad to see her own countryagain."
The needful preparations were soon made, and the travelling party setoff in high spirits. The journey was rapid and delightful. Relays ofhorses had been sent on in advance by Vallombreuse, so that in a fewdays they reached the point where the road leading to the Chateau deSigognac branched off from the great post-road. It was about two o'clockof a bright, warm afternoon when the carriage turned off the highway,and as they got, at the same moment, their first view of the chateau,de Sigognac could not believe the testimony of his own eyes--he wasbewildered, dazzled, overwhelmed--he no longer recognised the familiardetails which had been so deeply impressed upon his memory. All waschanged, as if by magic. The road, smooth, free from grass and weeds,and freshly gravelled, had no more ruts; the hedges, neatly trimmed andproperly tended, no longer reached out long, straggling arms to catchthe rare passer-by; the tall trees on either side had been carefullypruned, so that their branches met in an arch overhead, and framed in amost astonishing picture. Instead of the dreary ruin, slowly crumblinginto dust, a fine new chateau rose before them--resembling the old oneas a son resembles his father. It was an exact reproduction--nothinghad been changed, only renewed--it was simply the ancient mansionrejuvenated. The walls were smooth and unbroken, the lofty towersintact, rising proudly at the four angles of the building, with theirfreshly gilded weathercocks gleaming in the sunlight. A handsome newroof, tastefully ornamented with a pretty design in different colouredslates, had replaced the broken, weather-stained tiles, through whichthe rain used to find its way down into the frescoed hall, and the longsuite of deserted rooms. Every window had bright large panes of clearglass shining in its casement, and a magnificent great door, turningsmoothly and noiselessly upon its huge hinges, had superseded the old,worm-eaten one, that used to groan and creak piteously when opened everso little. Above it shone the de Sigognac arms--three golden storksupon an azure field, with this noble motto--entirely obliterated ofold--"Alta petunt."
For a few moments de Sigognac gazed at it all in silence, overcome byastonishment and emotion. Then he suddenly turned to Isabelle, withjoyful surprise written in every line of his speaking countenance, andseizing her hands passionately, and holding them firmly clasped in his,said: "It is to you, my kind, generous fairy, that I owe this marvelloustransformation of my poor, dilapidated, old chateau. You have touched itwith your wand and restored its ancient splendour, majesty and youth.I cannot tell you how enchanted, how gratified I am by this wonderfulsurprise. It is unspeakably charming and delightful, like everythingthat emanates from my good angel. Without a word or hint from me, youhave divined, and carried out, the secret and most earnest wish of myheart."
"You must also thank a certain sorcerer, who has greatly aided me inall this," said Isabelle softly, touched by her husband's emotion anddelight, and pointing to Vallombreuse, who was sitting opposite to her.The two young men clasped hands for a moment, and smiled at each otherin friendly fashion. There was a perfect under standing between thesekindred spirits now, and no words were needed on either side.
By this time the carriage had reached the chateau, where Pierre, in afine new livery--and a tremor of delight--was waiting to receive them.After an affectionate, as well as respectful, greeting from the faithfulold servant, they entered the grand portico, which had been, like allthe rest, admirably restored, and, alighting from the carriage, paused amoment to admire its magnificent proportions ere they passed on into thefrescoed hall, where eight or ten tall lackeys were drawn up in line,and bowed profoundly to their new master and mistress. Skilful artistshad retouched the ancient frescoes, and made them glow with all theiroriginal brilliant tints. The colossal figures of Hercules were stillsupporting the heavy cornice, and the busts of the Roman emperors lookedout majestically from their niches. Higher up, the vine climbing onits trellis was as luxuriant as in the olden time, and there were nounsightly stains on the bright blue sky of the vaulted roof to mar itsbeauty. A like metamorphosis had been worked everywhere--the worm-eatenwoodwork had been renewed, the uneven floors relaid, the tarnishedgilding restored to its original splendour--and the new furniturethroughout had been made exactly like the old that it replaced. The fineold tapestry in de Sigognac's own room had been minutely copied, down tothe smallest detail, and the hangings of the bed were of green and whitebrocade, in precisely the same delicate tint and graceful pattern as theold.
Isabelle, with her innate delicacy and perfect taste, had not aimedat producing a sensation, by any overwhelming magnificence or dazzlingsplendour in renovating the intrinsicall
y fine old Chateau de Sigognac,but had simply wished to gratify and delight the heart of herhusband, so tenderly loved, in giving back to him the impressions andsurroundings of his childhood and youth, robbed of their misery andsadness. All was bright and gay now in this lordly mansion, erst sodreary and melancholy; even the sombre old family portraits, cleansed,retouched and revarnished by skilful hands, smiled down upon them, asif pleased with the new order of things; especially their own handsome,richly gilt frames.
After looking through the interior of the chateau, de Sigognac andIsabelle went out into the court, where no weeds or nettles were to beseen, no grass growing up between the paving stones, no heaps of rubbishin the corners, and through the clear glass panes of the numerouswindows looking into it were visible the folds of the rich curtains inthe chambers that were formerly the favourite haunt of owls and bats.They went on down into the garden, by a noble flight of broad stonesteps, no longer tottering and moss-grown, and turned first to seek thewild eglantine which had offered its delicate little rose to the youngactress, on the memorable morning when the baron had decided to go forthfrom his ruined castle for love of her. It had another dainty blossomready for her now, which Isabelle received from de Sigognac's hand, withtears, that told of a happiness too deep for words, welling up into hereyes, and exchanged with her adored and adoring husband a long, fondlook, that seemed to give to each a glimpse of heaven.
The gardeners had been busy too, and had converted the neglectedwilderness we made acquaintance with long ago into a veritable littleparadise. At the end of the well-ordered and exquisitely arranged garden,Pomona still stood in her cool grotto, restored to all the beauty of heryouth, while a stream of pure, sparkling water poured from the lion'smouth, and fell with a musical murmur into the marble basin. Even intheir best and most glorious days the garden and the chateau had neverknown greater beauty and luxury than now. The baron, ever more and moreastonished and enchanted, as he rambled slowly through it all, like onein a delicious dream, kept Isabelle's arm pressed tenderly to his heart,and was not ashamed to let her see the tears that at last he could nolonger restrain, and which came from a very full heart.
"Now," said Isabelle, "that we have seen everything here, we must go andinspect the different pieces of property we have been able to buy back,so as to reconstruct, as nearly as possible, the ancient barony ofSigognac. I will leave you for a few moments, to go and put on my ridinghabit; I shall not be long, for I learned to make changes of that sortvery rapidly in my old profession, you know. Will you, meantime, go andselect our horses, and order that they should be made ready?"
Vallombreuse accompanied de Sigognac to the stables, where they foundten splendid horses contentedly munching their oats in their oakenstalls. Everything was in perfect order, but ere the baron had time toadmire and praise, as he wished to do, a loud whinnying that was almostdeafening suddenly burst forth, as good old Bayard peremptorily claimedhis attention. Isabelle had long ago sent orders to the chateau that thesuperannuated pony should always have the best place in the stable,and be tenderly cared for. His manger was full of ground oats, which heseemed to be enjoying with great gusto, and he evidently approved highlyof the new regime. In his stall Miraut lay sleeping, but the sound ofhis master's voice aroused him, and he joyfully jumped up and came tolick his hand, and claim the accustomed caress. As to Beelzebub, thoughhe had not yet made his appearance, it must not be attributed to a wantof affection on his part, but rather to an excess of timidity. The poorold cat had been so unsettled and alarmed at the invasion of the quietchateau by an army of noisy workmen, and all the confusion and changesthat had followed, that he had fled from his usual haunts, and taken uphis abode in a remote attic; where he lay in concealment, impatientlywaiting for darkness to come, so that he might venture out to pay hisrespects to his beloved master.
The baron, after petting Bayard and Miraut until they were in ecstasiesof delight, chose from among the horses a beautiful, spirited chestnutfor himself, the duke selected a Spanish jennet, with proudly archedneck and flowing mane, which was worthy to carry an Infanta, and anexquisite white palfrey, whose skin shone like satin, was brought outfor the baronne. In a few moments Isabelle came down, attired in asuperb riding habit, which consisted of a dark blue velvet basque,richly braided with silver, over a long, ample skirt of silver-graysatin, and her broad hat of white felt, like a cavalier's, was trimmedwith a floating, dark blue feather. Her beautiful hair was confined inthe most coquettish little blue and silver net, and as she came forward,radiant with smiles, she was a vision of loveliness, that drew forthfervent exclamations of delight from her two devoted and adoringknights. The Baronne de Sigognac certainly was enchantingly beautifulin her rich equestrian costume, which displayed the perfection of herslender, well-rounded figure to the greatest advantage, and there wasa high-bred, dainty look about her which bore silent witness to herillustrious origin. She was still the sweet, modest Isabelle of old,but she was also the daughter of a mighty prince, the sister of a proudyoung duke, and the honoured wife of a valiant gentleman, whose race hadbeen noble since before the crusades. Vallombreuse, remarking it, couldnot forbear to say: "My dearest sister, how magnificent you lookto-day! Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons, was never more superb, or moretriumphantly beautiful, than you are in this most becoming costume."
Isabelle smiled in reply, as she put her pretty little foot into deSigognac's hand, and sprang lightly into her saddle.
Her husband and brother mounted also, and the little cavalcade set forthin high glee, making the vaulted portico ring with their merry laughter,as they rode through it. Just in front of the chateau they met theMarquis de Bruyeres, and several other gentlemen of the neighbourhood,coming to pay their respects. They wished to go back into the chateauand receive their guests properly, saying that they could ride out atany time, but the visitors would not listen to such a thing, and turningtheir horses' heads proposed to ride with them. The party, increased bysix or eight cavaliers in gala dress--for the provincial lordlingshad made themselves as fine as possible to do honour to their newneighbours--was really very imposing; a cortege worthy of a princess.They rode on between broad green fields, through woods and groves andhighly cultivated farms, all of which had now been restored to theestate they had originally belonged to; and the grateful, adoringglances that the Baron de Sigognac found opportunity to bestow upon hislovely baronne, made her heart beat high with a happiness almost tooperfect for this weary world of trials and sorrows.
As they were riding through a little pine wood, near the boundary lineof the estate, the barking of hounds was heard, and presently the partymet the beautiful Yolande de Foix, followed by her old uncle, and oneor two attendant cavaliers. The road was very narrow, and there wasscarcely room to pass, though each party endeavoured to make way for theother. Yolande's horse was prancing about restively, and the skirt ofher long riding-habit brushed Isabelle's as she passed her. She wasfuriously angry, and sorely tempted to address some cutting words to the"Bohemienne" she had once so cruelly insulted; but Isabelle, who had asoul above such petty malice, and had long ago forgiven Yolande forher unprovoked insolence, felt how much her own triumph must wound theother's proud spirit, and with perfect dignity and grace bowed to Mlle.de Foix, who could not do less than respond by a slight inclination ofher haughty head, though her heart was filled with rage, and she hadmuch ado to control herself. The Baron de Sigognac, with a quiet,unembarrassed air, had bowed respectfully to the fair huntress, wholooked eagerly, but in vain, into the eyes of her former adorer for aspark of the old flame that used to blaze up in them at sight of her.Angry and disappointed, she gave her horse a sharp cut with the whip,and swept away at a gallop.
"Now, by Venus and all the Loves," said Vallombreuse to the Marquis deBruyeres, beside whom he was riding, "that girl is a beauty, but shelooked deucedly savage and cross. How she did glare at my sister, eh! asif she wanted to stab her."
"When one has long been the acknowledged queen of a neighbourhood,"the marquis replied, "it
is not pleasant to be dethroned, you know,and every one must admit that Mme. la Baronne de Sigognac bears off thepalm."
The gay cavalcade, after a long ride, returned to the chateau, to find asumptuous repast awaiting them in the magnificent banqueting hall, wherethe poor young baron had once supped with the wandering comedians, upontheir own provisions. What a transformation had been effected! now asuperb service of silver, bearing the family arms, shone upon the finedamask that covered the table, in which also the three storks wereapparent, while beautiful porcelain and dainty glass, lovely flowersand luscious fruits contributed to the attractions of the bountifullyfurnished board. Isabelle sat in the same place she had occupied on theeventful night that had changed the destiny of the young lord of thechateau, and she could not but think of, and live over, that widelydifferent occasion, as did also the baron, and the married loversexchanged furtive smiles and glances, in which tender memories andbright hopes were happily mingled.
Near one of the tall buffets stood a large, fine-looking man with athick black beard, dressed in black velvet, and wearing a massive chainof silver round his neck, who kept a watchful eye upon the numerouslackeys waiting on the guests, and from time to time gave an order, witha most majestic air. Presiding over another buffet, on which were neatlyarranged numerous wine-bottles of different forms and dimensions, wasanother elderly man, of short, corpulent figure, and with a jollyred face, who stepped about actively and lightly, despite his age andweight, dispensing the wine to the servants as it was needed. Atfirst de Sigognac did not notice them, but chancing to glance in theirdirection, was astonished to recognise in the first the tragic Herode,and in the second the grotesque Blazius. Isabelle, seeing that herhusband had become aware of their presence, whispered to him, thatin order to provide for the old age of those two devoted and faithfulfriends she had thought it well to give them superior positions in theirhousehold; in which they would have only easy duties to perform, as theyhad to direct others in their work, not to do any themselves; and thebaron heartily approved and commended what his sweet young wife, everconsiderate for others, had been pleased to do.
Course succeeded to course, and bottle to bottle--there was muchlaughing and talking around the convivial board, and the host wasexerting himself to do honour to the festive occasion, when he felt ahead laid on his knee, and a tattoo vigorously played by a pair of pawson his leg that was well known to him of old. Miraut and Beelzebub, whohad slipped into the room, and under the table, without being detected,thus announced their presence to their indulgent master. He did notrepulse them, but managed, without attracting notice, to give thema share of everything on his plate, and was especially amused at thealmost insatiable voracity of the old black cat--who had evidently beenfasting in his hiding-place in the attic. He actually seemed to enjoy,like an epicure, the rich and dainty viands that had replaced the frugalfare of long ago, and ate so much that when the meal was over he couldscarcely stand, and made his way with difficulty into his master'sbed-chamber, where he curled himself up in a luxurious arm-chair andsettled down comfortably for the night.
Vallombreuse kept pace with the Marquis de Bruyeres, and the otherguests, in disposing of the choice wines, that did credit to thepedant's selection; but de Sigognac, who had not lost his temperatehabits, only touched his lips to the edge of his wine-glass, and madea pretence of keeping them company. Isabelle, under pretext of fatigue,had withdrawn when the dessert was placed upon the table. She really wasvery tired, and sent at once for Chiquita, now promoted to the dignityof first lady's maid, to come and perform her nightly duties. The wild,untutored child had--under Isabelle's judicious, tender and carefultraining--developed into a quiet, industrious and very beautiful younggirl. She still wore mourning for Agostino, and around her neck was thefamous string of pearl beads--it was a sacred treasure to Chiquita, andshe was never seen without it. She attended to her duties quickly anddeftly--evidently taking great delight in waiting upon the mistress sheadored--and kissed her hand passionately, as she never failed to do,when all was finished and she bade her good-night.
When, an hour later, de Sigognac entered the room in which he had spentso many weary, lonely nights--listening to the wind as it shrieked andmoaned round the outside of the desolate chateau, and wailed along thecorridors-feeling that life was a hard and bitter thing, and fancyingthat it would never bring anything but trials and misery to him--hesaw, by the subdued light from the shaded lamp, the face to him mostbeautiful in all the world smiling lovingly to greet him from under thegreen and white silken curtains that hung round his own bed, where itlay resting upon the pillow he had so often kissed, and moistened withhis tears. His eyes were moist now--but from excess of happiness, notsorrow--as he saw before him the blessed, blissful realization of hisvision.
Towards morning Beelzebub, who had been excessively uneasy and restlessall night, managed, with great difficulty, to clamber up on the bed,where he rubbed his nose against his master's hand--trying at the sametime to purr in the old way, but failing lamentably. The baron wokeinstantly, and saw poor Beelzebub looking at him appealingly, with hisgreat green eyes unnaturally dilated, and momentarily growing dim; hewas trembling violently, and as his master's kind hand was stretchedout to stroke his head, fell over on his side, and with one half-stifledcry, one convulsive shudder, breathed his last.
"Poor Beelzebub!" softly said Isabelle, who had been roused from hersweet slumber by his dying groan, "he has lived through all the miseryof the old time, but will not be here to share and enjoy the prosperityof the new."
Beelzebub, it must be confessed, fell a victim to his ownintemperance--a severe fit of indigestion, consequent upon the enormoussupper he had eaten, was the cause of his death--his long-famishedstomach was not accustomed to, nor proof against, such excesses. Thisdeath, even though it was only that of a dumb beast, touched de Sigognacdeeply; for poor Beelzebub had been his faithful companion, night andday, through many long, weary years of sadness and poverty, and hadalways shown the warmest, most devoted affection for him. He carefullywrapped the body in a piece of fine, soft cloth, and waited, untilevening should come, to bury it himself; when he would be safe fromobservation and possible ridicule. Accordingly, after nightfall, he tooka spade, a lantern, and poor Beelzebub's body, which was stiff and starkby that time, and went down into the garden, where he set to work todig the grave, under the sacred eglantine, in what seemed to him likehallowed ground. He wanted to make it deep enough to insure itsnot being disturbed by any roaming beast of prey, and worked awaydiligently, until his spade struck sharply against some hard substance,that he at first thought must be a large stone, or piece of rockperhaps. He attempted, in various ways, to dislodge it, but all in vain,and it gave out such a peculiar, hollow sound at every blow, thatat last he threw down his spade and took the lantern to see what thestrange obstacle might be.
He was greatly surprised at finding the corner of a stout oaken chest,strengthened with iron bands, much rusted, but still intact. He dug allround it, and then, using his spade as a lever, succeeded in raising it,though it was very heavy, to the edge of the hole, and sliding it outon the grass beside it; then he put poor Beelzebub into the place ithad occupied, and filled up the grave. He carefully smoothed it over,replaced the sod, and when all was finished to his satisfaction, went insearch of his faithful old Pierre, upon whose discretion and secrecy heknew that he could rely. Together they carried the mysterious strong boxinto the chateau, but not without great difficulty and frequent pausesto rest, because of its immense weight. Pierre broke open the chest withan axe, and the cover sprang back, disclosing to view a mass of goldcoins--all ancient, and many of them foreign. Upon examination, aquantity of valuable jewelry, set with precious stones, was foundmingled with the gold, and, under all, a piece of parchment, with a hugeseal attached, bearing the three storks of the de Sigognacs, still ina good state of preservation; but the writing was almost entirelyobliterated by dampness and mould. The signature, however, was stillvisible, and letter by letter the baron sp
elled it out--"Raymond deSigognac." It was the name of one of his ancestors, who had gone toserve his king and country in the war then raging, and never returned;leaving the mystery of his death, or disappearance, unsolved. He hadonly one child, an infant son, and when he left home--in those troubloustimes--must have buried all his treasures for safety, and they hadremained undiscovered until this late day. Doubtless, he had confidedthe secret of their whereabouts to some trusty friend or retainer, who,perhaps, had died suddenly before he could disclose it to the rightfulheir. From the time of that Raymond began the decadence of the deSigognacs, who, previous to that epoch, had always been wealthy andpowerful.
Of course, the mystery about this treasure--so strangely brought tolight--could never be cleared up now; but one thing was certain, beyonda question or a doubt, that the strong box and its contents belonged ofright to the present Baron de Sigognac--the only living representativeof the family. His first move was to seek his generous, devoted wife, sothat he might show her the mysterious treasure he had found, and claimher sweet sympathy in his joy, which would be incomplete without it.After relating to her all the surprising incidents of the evening, hefinished by saying, "Decidedly, Beelzebub was the good genius of the deSigognacs--through his means I have become rich--and now that my blessedangel has come to me he has taken his departure; for there is nothingelse left for him to do, since you, my love, have given me perfecthappiness."
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