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Rh strikingly indicative of his character. He began in a clear voice and a decided tone, but before he arrived at the end of a sentence, his voice sunk so low as to be almost inaudible, and the meaning became as confused as the sound. Never was there a man less calculated for the chief of a party; rash in his commencements, he was never prepared for their consequences. He had no confidence in others; how could he, when he had none in himself? Without judgment to foretell, or nerve to meet, the dangers his impetuosity had provoked, he never saw things as they actually were—but usually took the view suggested by any one at his elbow, to whom habit, or even chance contact, gave a passing authority.

Marguerite of Lorraine was seated at his side. Thin, pale, with that worn look which indicates the broken spirit, or the habit of bodily suffering, save in the still fine outline of feature, there was slight remains of the beauty for which her husband had dared so much, and yet endured so little. She leant back feebly in her chair, like a confirmed invalid; but there was a feverish flush upon her cheek, and a sparkle in her eye, that betokened the keenest interest in what was going on. A grave, quiet, and elderly man, the