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216 "I protest," was her reply, "equally against confession or tragedy from them; their rules are too lax in both."

"You do not seem," said the queen, evidently wishing to change the subject just started, "to have been much pleased with our dramatic representations; but we have not been fortunate—our actors are generally more amusing."

"I suppose so," replied Christina, "As you keep them still. But I see I have interrupted your game; go on, and do not mind me—I should like to have another victory to congratulate you upon."

Crossing the room, she seated herself on one chair, while, drawing another towards her, she placed her feet upon it, and thus stretched out negligently, began talking in a low tone to the King and Mademoiselle Mancini.

Francesca had now an opportunity of observing her more closely, and found that her appearance, if equally singular, was more picturesque than she had heard described. Her dress was odd enough, half-masculine, half-feminine; but it became her. She wore a sort of jacket of bright red camlet, richly braided with gold and silver lace; a fringe of which also hung from her gray petticoat, which was short enough to show her feet and ankles,