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264 that the letter had been delivered. The young Italian could scarcely believe, that what had seemed to her a difficulty so insuperable could be so easily effected. Her eyes were fixed upon the place, aware of what was going on, but she had not been able to perceive look or gesture that either party wished unobserved. She little knew the perfect command of countenance so early acquired in society; or how one who, like Henriette, had lived in a world of plot, intrigue, and anxiety, was alive almost by intuition to the slightest signal of intelligence.

The King moved carelessly amid the surrounding groups, evidently, however, verging to her side of the room; when his progress was interrupted by Mademoiselle Mancini, who addressed to him some laughing question. This was soon followed by another, and she contrived completely to engross Louis's notice. Marie even then began the course which, in after-years, secured her so vast an influence in the court,—alternately taking up and laying down her claim to the youthful monarch's penchant; administering to his amusement, and ready to encourage his passing fancies. Already she had controlled her temper, excepting where it might be indulged in with safety. She saw that Francesca was now the idol; and artfully