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306 of my connexion in that quarter. It was a very amusing délassement during her residence with that most amiable of artists, Bournonville; but now that some childish acquaintance with the Mancinis has induced them try the dear delight of patronage, my beauty assumes les grands airs, and actually, the other day, gave a distant hint of marriage!"

"The forgetfulness of women is really charming," observed De Joinville.

"What say you to taking my place?—many a heart is caught in the rebound; and La Carrara's is worth having for a little while."

"I thank you," replied De Joinville; "but I have a foolish prejudice against les belles delaissées—I have no talents for consolation."

"Between ourselves, Francesca will find consolation in ambition. With her beauty and hypocrisy she may yet make a brilliant match. Well, I wish her all possible success; and, by the by, De Joinville, we really must keep her secret."

"Any secret of mine that you possess, you are at perfect liberty to reveal," said Francesca.

The sudden turn in the walk had brought the whole party face to face. For a moment the three stood in perfect silence. Evelyn—for falsehood brings its own cowardice—was speechless.