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Rh Francesca pursued her way, calling up every better attribute of her lover with all the aids which imagination is ever so ready to offer on such occasions, and, like most generous tempers, exaggerating the right to efface the wrong.

On her return, she hastened to Madame de Mercœur's apartment, who was already risen.

"Do not hate me," said the Duchesse, "for my news; but a new commission of my uncle's has taken your brother on to Rome."

"Ah! he will visit our old home," exclaimed Francesca, her eyes filling with tears.

"Why is it," asked Madame de Mercœur, "that you turn with, a more tender feeling than I can to your former home, and former life? I candidly confess, that they never come into my head,—at least, of their own accord. But, do you know, I deem it one of my faults to live as much as I do in the present. I never think of what I do not see; unless, as you must bear me witness, an old friend now and then," passing her arm affectionately round Francesca.

Just then a page announced, that the Princess Henriette of England desired to be admitted.

"Ah," cried Madame de Mercœur, "there is another instance of my forgetfulness. I promised the dear child to show her the caskets of that