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Rh "Ah!" exclaimed the Comte d'Artois, who had been sitting for some minutes apparently quite absorbed in meditation, "I have imagined such an exquisite costume for Tancred! No, no; you shall not anticipate my intention."

"But we are forgetting, in our future plans, the fête of to-morrow. Mercœur," said the King, "summon the page who waits in the ante-chamber."

The boy was called, and, dropping on his knee, presented a small coffer, which, as it opened, diffused a strong but delicious fragrance. It contained those delicate gloves for which Spain was then so famous.

"Will you not wear these to-morrow?" said the King, offering one pair to Madame de Merœur; then, turning to her sister, he added, "I only hope yours are small enough for those mignon hands."

Francesca observed that the gloves given to the Duchesse were embroidered in white and silver; but those of Mademoiselle Mancini were worked with scarlet and gold, and fastened by a scarlet cord round the wrist. The party immediately broke up, as all were to rise early the following morning.

It was long before Francesca slept; we are so