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300 departed, Louis handing her to her carriage. Francesca could not but admire her noble demeanour, her easy yet stately walk, and the finely turned head, placed so gracefully on her shoulders; certainly no one ever more completely looked her high descent.

"The comedy has gone off to perfection," exclaimed Madame de Mercœur. "I am glad she is allowed to return; she is no longer dangerous, and her exile has been sufficient punishment."

"Alas," replied Francesca, "I look upon the self-possession, the readiness of reply, the ease, I daily witness, with such hopelessness"

"All in good time," answered her friend, laughing; "you are quite young enough to blush a little longer. Wait till you have a motive for dissimulation. I am afraid it is intuitive with us all."

Truly, society is like a large piece of frozen water; there are the rough places to be shunned, the very slippery ones all ready for a fall, and the holes which seem made expressly to drown you. All that can be done is to glide lightly over them. Skaiting well is the great art of social life.