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Rh scene, and she became almost absorbed in the distress of the hero and heroine, who were in their usual difficulties. Her inattention, however, rather amused the King, though the charm with him had lost its illusion from frequent repetition; yet it was something new to observe it in another. The amusement would not have lasted very long, but Christina, tired of what was going on, addressed herself to him, and satirised the play, unmercifully, but entertainingly.

At this moment Mazarin entered, and Evelyn was in his suite. It had been arranged that his intended invitation should be given personally, as if without premeditation, much ceremony being thus avoided. During the time that the Cardinal was paying his devoirs to the two Queens, Evelyn remained behind, and gradually obtained the vacant place between Francesca and Madame de Mercœur; the latter, to whom he more particularly addressed himself, observed, "What very fragrant flowers!" With an air of gallantry, he anxiously selected some of the rarest, and presented them to her; then turning, as if with a sudden thought, to Francesca, offered her the remainder. She immediately perceived the note around the stems; and now, while all were engaged with the Cardinal, concealed it with an