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110 ere the return of the bold agitator was permitted. To those who have sympathised in the energy and daring of earlier life, it seems marvellous to hear him mentioned in the gentle language of one of Madame de Sevigné's letters, where he is spoken of as a peculiarly mild and gentlemanlike old man, especially kind to the young, whose society he seemed to enjoy.

Mazarin immediately resumed his former power; and Bournonville early one morning announced, not only the return of Madame de Mercœur to Paris, but also that he had communicated to her who were his guests. Almost before he had delivered his message, the Duchesse's carriage arrived, with a brief but affectionate note, entreating the immediate presence of her earliest friends. They soon reached the hotel, whose thronged courtyard told how many were the courtiers to the minister's nieces.

Francesca and Guido, accustomed to be their own heralds in the lonely Italian palace, were startled by the sudden contrast of the many domestics and the numberless visitors who choked up the passages and the ante-room. The chamber into which they were ushered was filled with people; but both the Duchesse and Marie came forward and received them with every mark of kindness and