Page:Francesca Carrara 1.pdf/240

236 "What do you mean?" ejaculated his listener, in the utmost astonishment.

"Nonsense! Do you think," replied he, "that I have been the last to hear of the beautiful Italian and her lute?"

"I thought," said Francesca, "you were speaking of the letter I have this morning had from Guido."

"Pshaw!—what is a letter compared to your last night's triumph? Joinville told me you had never looked more lovely, and that Louis never moved his eyes from your face the whole time you were singing."

"Very pleasant to be stared out of countenance!" returned she, colouring.

"I would have Mademoiselle Mancini look to her chains," said Evelyn.

Francesca remained silent, from vexation and anger; and he continued:—

"But I must say farewell now. Lord Craven is to ride by the wood; and, even if it should be observed, our meeting will seem accidental,—I wish for no appearance of connexion with his party, for that would end all my plans. Ah! my fair Italian; what with their anxiety and your cruelty, I have enough on my hands!"