Go and tell him exactly what I have said to you." The major-domo bowed low, and retired backward to the door, having received strict orders to treat Isabelle with the greatest respect and consideration.

In a few minutes he returned, and announced the Duke of Vallombreuse.
Isabelle half rose from her chair by the fire, but turned very pale and fell back into it, as her unwelcome visitor made his appearance at the door.

He closed it and advanced slowly towards her, hat in hand, but when he perceived that she was trembling violently, and looked ready to faint, he stopped in the middle of the room, made a low bow, and said in his most dulcet, persuasive tones: "If my presence is too unbearably odious now to the charming Isabelle, and she would like to have a little time to get used to the thought of seeing me, I will withdraw.

She is my prisoner, it is true, but I am none the less her slave." "This courtesy is tardy," Isabelle replied coldly, "after the violence you have made use of against me." "That is the natural result," said the duke, with a smile, "of pushing people to extremity by a too obstinate and prolonged resistance.

Having lost all hope, they stop at nothing--knowing that they cannot make matters any worse, whatever they do.