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I loved her; for her sweet familiar face Brought back my earlier self."

great fatigue of the day being too much for the delicate state of Madame de Mercœur's health, she soon retired; and early in the evening she and Francesca found themselves, for the first time, tête-à-tête, and without fear of interruption.

The evening was chilly; some fresh wood was heaped on the hearth; they drew the fauteuils closer to the fire and to each other; and felt as if old times and sentiments were come again. Past events and past feelings soon led to present recollections; but, to Francesca's surprise, the Duchesse did not seem to consider their position so perfect in felicity as it appeared to her guest.

"What," exclaimed her youthful friend, "Have