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250 knows! there is little vestige of the lovely Henriette in her care-worn countenance."

Few persons flattered with greater audacity than the ex-Queen of Sweden; but it was amazing how much the appearance of flattery was done away with by her abrupt manner, and seeming carelessness as to whether what she said was even heard. But the discourse was interrupted by the approach of a large party, who, as soon as they perceived the Queen, advanced to pay their court. Among these was Evelyn, who drew near to Francesca with an unusual degree of anxiety.

"Dearest Francesca," he exclaimed, as soon as, by drawing her a little aside, the branches of a flowering shrub somewhat concealed them, "I think I may trust you, and will, therefore, as hastily as possible, make my request. The English Ambassador arrives here to-day, and it is of the utmost consequence that no suspicion should be entertained of my correspondence with Queen Henriette,—all my present sources of information would be at once closed. The visit is unexpected; and I dare not risk sending, still less dare I myself communicate, any intelligence. Will you take charge of a letter, and watch your opportunity for giving it unperceived?"

"Oh, yes," exclaimed Francesca; "And I think