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92 "They say," returned Joinville, "that our own Louis is his rival there. Ma foi, the subtle Italian knows well how to weave his net. If the fair Mancini manages the son as her uncle has managed the mother, France is but a heir-loom to the Mazarins."

"If we were but as civilised as those Turks—who, but that we zealous ones consider you papists as the more pressing danger, would doubtless ere this have been the objects of another crusade—all these marriages would be easily arranged. Charles Stuart might have one wife for money—your own Montpensier, for example; another for his home interests—my Frances Cromwell; a third—the Mancini—for a foreign alliance; while let the fourth be chosen for love, unless there be any other advantage to be gained."

"Mr. Evelyn never makes unnecessary difficulties," replied D'Argenteuil, in a sarcastic tone. But the night is far advanced; I think we need now dread no attack; so I drink my farewell, and thanks to Monsieur Corregio Bournonville for his hospitality."

D'Argenteuil set down the cup, and, bending courteously to the strangers, withdrew.

Evelyn lingered for a moment, took from Francesca a few early violets—Madelon's gift,