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Rh "I pray you," returned Francesca, coldly, "not to make my belief a subject of ridicule."

"But I must know what deep sin it was intended to expiate."

"None," replied Francesca; "it only accompanied my prayers for my brother's safety—"

"As if," continued he, "His safety were endangered by that pretty arm being worthily clasped."

"At all events," replied Francesca, "it could not be better bestowed, than as an offering, however unworthy, for his sake who is nearest and dearest to me in the world."

"I thank you for the implied compliment," returned Evelyn, in a tone of pique. But all further intercourse was suspended, by Madame de Mercœur's rising, as it was near the hour of her attendance upon the Queen.

Again Francesca felt dispirited and discontented. "It is in vain," thought she, "to deceive myself: there is, there can be, no sympathy between us. He excludes me from his confidence—he takes no interest in my feelings. Ah! I see now that love is the delusion which the sage and the grave say it is. Perhaps I should be thankful that my eyes have so soon been opened to its vanity." Yet she did not feel very grateful. 'Tis