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214 duchess. She could trace no likeness to the portrait by which she was seated; she was far handsomer, having retained, at least, the traces of her former beauty. She had fine high features: her eyes were rather small, and close to the nose, but bright and piercing; and the general severity of her aspect vanished under the influence of a very pleasant smile. She wore black; and, as the cumbrous drapery fell around her stately figure, contrasting with the dead paleness of her face (she had not worn rouge for years), there was something about her which gave more the idea of a picture than of a human being. Apparently both the hostess and guest grew tired of maintaining the dignity of conspiracy; for, suddenly, the duchess rose and requested Mrs. Churchill's presence in her closet, and left Ethel, much longer than she liked, to be entertained by her ladies in waiting. The duchess and Mrs. Churchill had known each other as girls; and it may be doubted whether they had not found some subject of conversation more amusing than even the