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Rh and the quivering ring remained swinging to and fro. Francesca, whose position enabled her to discern the slightest movement, could not divest herself of a suspicion that the start of the horse had been provoked by the rider. The Duc de Guise came next; he made but one bound from the slender palfrey on which he rode at first, to the noble charger that stood beside, pawing the ground, as if disdainful of rest. On he darted with the speed of hope, and his lance bore the ring off triumphantly; but while turning to salute the fair spectators on his right, the prize, carelessly balanced, fell to the ground; and again Francesca thought that the failure was intentional. The young King now clapped spurs to his white steed, which had stood champing with impatience till his bit was covered with foam. A loud shout arose from the spectators—Louis had carried off the ring; and, balancing it gracefully on his lance, he rode round the circle; the second time he stopped before the Queen, and laid the prize at her feet. Two pages advanced; one took the spear, the other laid hand on the bridle, and Louis sprang to the ground; then, ascending to where Anne of Austria was seated, knelt before her. At the signal, Marie de Mancini took his casque, and his mother flung over his neck a silver chain, to which hung a star