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260 "Good Heaven!" exclaimed Francesca,—"if I had lost it!"

"Is it, then, so very precious?" asked Louis.

Francesca was too young not to feel ashamed of its being supposed that she could be the possessor of a love-letter, and answered unguardedly, "Oh, I am only its bearer; it is not for me."

"Can I save you the trouble?" asked the King, smiling; partly from that general gallantry which was his universal tone, and a little, it must be owned, from curiosity.

"Holy Madonna!" ejaculated Francesca; "if your Majesty would but take charge of it! I see clearly that it is impossible I shall be able to deliver it."

Louis, amused by the ignorance of form which so readily took him at his word, assured her he would give it. "But to whom? for the note has no address!"

"To the English Queen."

Louis looked surprised; but having promised, his courtesy was too perfect to allow of either hesitation or question.

Further conversation was interrupted by the approach of the Cardinal and his niece, who asked the King to adjourn to a neighbouring