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124, was but a passing thought; for, naturally enough, her whole attention was fixed upon their illustrious visitor. Smilingly repeating his declaration that he was incog.,—a wandering cavalier, who merely thought to sun himself in their bright eyes, and then to depart,—still, while waving the observance of his rank, he yet permitted them to be paid. All knelt as they kissed his hand, and all remained standing while he seated himself in the fauteuil from which the Duchesse had just risen. Discovering, with the quick eye of those accustomed to watch every shade of manner, that Louis, transient as was the glance he flung round, had observed the Italians, Madame de Mercœur said, "We will not intrude upon your Grace our childish reminiscences, but—"

"Nay," interrupted the King, very graciously, for he had noted the singular beauty of Francesca, "I will not allow one of the party to be disturbed, not even little Mignon," patting a small snow-white dog that belonged to Mademoiselle Mancini, whose eyes flashed as she thought that it was her favourite that was thus honoured by the royal notice. She knelt down, to caress it, thus, as if by chance, kneeling beside Louis's chair.

There was a slight family likeness between the brothers, but the resemblance extended no