He would have pined in them for the fresh country air if he had not had the sweet companionship of the lovely woman he adored; in whose deep, blue eyes he saw a whole heaven of bliss.
Upon emerging from the wood the road wound up a steep hill-side, so the horses were stopped, to rest a few minutes before beginning the ascent, and de Sigognac, profiting by the opportunity thus afforded him, said to Isabelle, "Dear heart, will you get down and walk a little way with me?
You will find it a pleasant change and rest after sitting still in the chariot so long.

The road is smooth and dry, and the sunshine deliciously warm--do come!" Isabelle joyfully acceded to this request, and putting her hand into the one extended to help her, jumped lightly down.

It was a welcome means of according an innocent tete-a-tete to her devoted lover, and both felt as if they were treading on air, they were so happy to find themselves alone together, as, arm in arm, they walked briskly forward, until they were out of sight of their companions.

Then they paused to look long and lovingly into each other's eyes, and de Sigognac began again to pour out to Isabelle "the old, old story," that she was never weary of hearing, but found more heavenly sweet at every telling.

They were like the first pair of mortal lovers in Paradise, entirely sufficient to and happy in each other.