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298 is a very delightful feeling; and as the youth outgrows the boy, it seems as if so much lost time had to be made up. The Duke embraced his cousin with extreme cordiality, which was greatly in creased by her ready compliments on his growth and appearance.

A few minutes afterwards, the Cardinal was announced; and Francesca was not the only one who was curious to observe the meeting. They had been such declared, such personal enemies, that, even in a court, it seemed wonderful how a decent external could be given to their reconciliation. The difficulty was, however, only imaginary. Mademoiselle was the first to salute the Cardinal, who returned it with an air of great empressement; then addressing the Queen, she said, "Really, I do think, your Majesty, after all that has passed, should bid us embrace; I am sure, on my part, it will be with all my heart."

The Cardinal immediately approached, and knelt. This was, however, not suffered by the Princess, who, extending both hands, raised him, and they embraced with great apparent goodwill.

"The times are changed," said De Joinville, in a low tone to Francesca, "since Mademoiselle promenaded the terraces of the Louvre, with her