'The devil!' thought I; 'this is unlucky: madame expects some one, for here is a dessert of love apples and wine of Artois!'
I observed myself in an opposite mirror, and was struck by the splendour of my own appearance in the uniform of the guard; but my brows were knit, and I said aloud—
'Absurd;—is this jealousy?'
'I hope not, my dear M. Blane, for love alone enters here,' said a soft voice; and turning, I saw Madame d'Amboise, in a robe of blue powdered with gold fleurs de lis, and looking so lovely that I was almost bewildered, when kissing her white hand, which was smooth as the finest velvet; then she smiled with that unmistakable air of pleasure and coquetry, which always lights up the countenance of a charming woman at the effect produced by her own beauty. Her invariable attendant, the delicate girl with the golden hair, withdrew abruptly as we met.
My first inquiry was for the Chevalier d'Ische, her brother.
'Oh! he is almost well, and is quite able to walk; but you—oh, you are so welcome, M. Blane! and you charm me by this visit. I was longing so much to hear the sound of your voice again. I see you will make it your duty to please me.'
'Could I but hope to succeed.'
'Let not your heart fail.'
'It fails already, madame.'
'Because I am half in love with you.'