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It is a dreadful question, when we love, To ask, is love returned?" The Hunchback.

had been arranged that Francesca was to join Guido at Bournonville's, where he still resided, previous to the visit of the Cardinal and Madame de Mercœur. On her arrival, she was surprised to hear that he had not yet arisen; but on entering his room, she saw at once that he had not been in bed. The apartment looked into the garden, and a large old tree almost darkened the window with the heavy foliage of one huge bough; the casement was open, and there Guido was leaning, his face bowed upon his arm, and so engrossed in his own thoughts, that he did not hear Francesca enter. Softly closing the door, she approached him with a light step, which, however, failed to rouse his attention.

"Dearest Guido," exclaimed she; but his face