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238 "Poor child!" returned her companion; "why did you leave Italy?"

"Ah, you may well warn me of trusting to shadows! why, indeed, did we leave it?"

"Because there was a lover in the case. Well, well; he is a handsome and noble-looking cavalier. Do not quarrel with him again, because he is jealous that others beside himself think you have a bright blush and a sweet voice."

Giving her a good-humoured smile, Christina moved away, to Francesca's great relief. What could she say to so complete a misconception? The chamber was by this time cleared of visitors, and she was about to thank Madame de Mercœur for her letter, when Mademoiselle Mancini entered. Without saluting either, she flung herself into a chair, and exclaimed, "I suppose, Henriette, you are well aware of the fine marriage about to take place?"

"I know of none," answered Madame de Mercœur.

"Oh, then my uncle has kept you equally in the dark; but the Queen this morning congratulated me—me, forsooth!—of the approaching alliance between Mademoiselle Martinozzi and the Prince de Conti. She showed me the pearls she meant for a wedding present."