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16 vain; how could he combat in honour of that beauty which his own eyes saw was far surpassed?"

"And he who wore your colours?"

"That five hundred should be proud to do; the best and proudest of the land. Pity it were for starry eyes not to emulate the stars, and shine on many. I own one lover is difficult to manage; for to one lover you may have yielded more of your heart than I care to surrender of mine. But the many—why, I should hold them as we do yonder branch of roses—we like their general effect, and care not if one drop off, so that another supply its place. Fancy now a lighted hall, and a group of white-plumed cavaliers; I would have a smile for one, a sigh for a second, a frown for a third."

"And in the meantime, till these honours arrive, you have me to rehearse with, and Guido Carrara to practise upon."

"Nonsense!"

"Yes, to you who have no stronger motive than amusement—no deeper feeling than vanity; but, Marie, you are cruel to trifle with a love so earnest, so devoted"

"That you would like to be its object. Pray take him—you are very welcome; ah, yonder he comes! now I will be disinterested, confide to