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94 "Is he not altered?" asked she, in an almost inaudible voice.

"You must make allowances," said her cousin, soothingly, "for the different manner of the countries; he has been talking carelessly, and before others." But he thought not what he said, and both retired to a sad and reflective pillow.

So much for anticipation in this life! Had Francesca been asked that morning what would give her the most perfect happiness, she would unhesitatingly have replied, her meeting with Evelyn. They had met, and she was sorrowful even to weeping. Ah! hope fulfilled is but a gentler word for disappointment.