Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/12

Rh "Good night, for, as it is, we shall look like ghosts tomorrow."

Her prediction was not accomplished; for when Francesca saw her enter the chapel, glittering with jewels, and radiant with triumph, she thought that she never had seen Marie look so handsome. Both Anne and Louis, who had returned the day before from Sedan, were present: and Francesca marked the Queen's quick eye turn more than once on her son, as if she would fain read his inmost thoughts. It was very obvious he had no emotion to conceal.

Marie went through the ceremony rather with the appearance of elation than of timidity. But when it was over, and the bridegroom approached to lead her forth, Francesca saw her change colour, and a slight shudder ran through her whole frame, and saw too that Marie's eyes were fixed on herself, as if recalling the resemblance of another, It was but for a moment; and she instantly turned to the Comte do Soissons, and took his offered hand, with a glad smile and a slight gesture, which made up with courtesy what it wanted in tenderness.

Nothing could exceed the ease and grace with which she accepted the congratulations of Louis. Those of the Queen were met with less