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Rh ,' remonstrated Madame de Porcinne to the angry beauty, 'that you are a Christian, and that you should lay down all your animosities at the foot of the cross.' 'In the name of Jesus!' exclaimed the Provençal Mère de la Miséricorde, for even her feelings were affected, 'look upon him with pity.' The poor old mother next took up the petition: 'Madame, I implore, on my knees, that my son may just haunt your footsteps.' Neither l'Abbé nor his three old women succeeded in softening the angry goddess. It is, however, rumoured, that certain offerings at her shrine have since had considerable effect, and he is now beginning to hope that, perhaps, he may again be suffered in Madame de Chatillion's sight."

Other visitors entering interrupted the thread of the discourse; and Evelyn took the opportunity of approaching Francesca, who was seated in a window, a little behind the others. "I congratulate you," said he.

"Ah, I am so happy!" was her reply, supposing that he alluded to Guido's letter, and without giving herself time to consider that it was impossible for him to know of its arrival.

"You are not aware of the effect you produced!"