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Rh upon the affection she inspired, because she had no exaggerated estimate within to whose test she applied it; the expression she witnessed came up to her expectation. Hence she was confiding and unsuspicious. She could comprehend the under motives of an action, when explained; but she would never have penetrated them without such explanation. This extreme goodness and simplicity of character made Henriette her uncle's favourite. None but worldly people appreciate simplicity. He felt safe with her, and he believed in her attachment, because he saw that it was natural to her to love.

Liking Francesca warmly herself, it seemed the most natural thing in the world that others should like her too. It never would have entered into her head, that the Queen hourly saw, with more and more suspicion, her sister's influence increasing, and that she calculated on Francesca's attraction as a passing lure to Louis. The friendless Italian was a much safer person than the niece of the all-powerful minister, whose ambition would not stop but at the throne. Francesca might be allowed to detach him from Mademoiselle Mancini, and could then be easily flung aside. The King's devotion was the next engine to be brought into play; and