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Rh precious and fanciful; and flung down carelessly, as if in thoughtless haste, was a diamond carcanet, whose rich gems reflected in every angle the blaze of the two large waxen tapers placed in branches extending from the mirror. Near were two curiously carved cabinets, one in ebony, the other in ivory, from each of which exhaled a delicious perfume. An immense Venetian glass occupied the farther end of the room, and, just opposite, hung a picture of the King. The couches and fauteuils were of crimson damask; and drawn towards the fire was the supper-table. The domestics being dismissed, all gathered round, and Guido's place was beside Mademoiselle Mancini.

"Do," said she, smiling, "let me give you some of these diminutive mushrooms; with what a feeling of triumph I enjoy them! When Mademoiselle was enacting the part of the modern Maid of Orleans, that town supplied the court with provisions; and, a somewhat unheroic employ for the fair Thalestris, she commanded that our future breakfasts, dinners, suppers, &c. should be brought her; among other articles she found some mushrooms, seizing upon which, she threw them aside—'They are too delicate,' exclaimed the Montpensier; 'I will not have the Cardinal eat them!'"