.

A DOUBLE ATTACK.
The Duke of Vallombreuse was not a man to neglect his love affairs, any more than his enemies.

If he hated de Sigognac mortally, he felt for Isabelle that furious passion which the unattainable is apt to excite in a haughty and violent nature like his, that has never met with resistance.

To get possession of the young actress had become the ruling thought of his life.

Spoiled by the easy victories he had always gained heretofore, in his career of gallantry, his failure in this instance was utterly incomprehensible to him, as well as astonishing and maddening.
He could not understand it.