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286 had some desire to note what effect the present honour, and still more, brilliant fancies, would produce on a character whose simplicity and nature she had discerned at a glance. The truth was, that Francesca was perfectly fancy free; she saw nothing in the King's action but the most genuine kindness; she was very grateful, and there, to her thought, the matter ended.

When they entered the royal apartment, Louis was at one end, entirely engrossed by Mademoiselle Mancini, while the Queen and her immediate circle, which they joined, was at the other. Marie had completely changed her plan; she saw that the higher game was not in her hands; the King was not, and would not, be in love with her; but she amused him, and, by a little skilful management and flattery, could contrive to occupy his attention quite enough to alarm his mother; "And I shall be brilliantly married," thought she, "by way of security." It may be questioned whether Guido ever even entered her head; love never lasts with a temper like hers; a first lover was welcome rather as an omen of future triumph than for his own sake. The sentiment of such a heart is dew, that exhales with the earliest sunbeam.

The group round Anne were busily employed in dissecting the Swedish Queen, who had departed