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Rh friends were seated, as had now become a favourite habit, by the glimmer of the twilight. Though Francesca urged it upon her brother, she had herself little inclination for exertion; and hours often passed away, before the lamp was lighted, in desultory conversation, only varied by long and thoughtful pauses. They were now, as usual, talking of their future plans, and, as usual, the dialogue had finished with the constant question of "Where shall we go?"

"To England," exclaimed their companion, seating himself in an old arm-chair in the darkest nook of the room. "I have long," continued he, without waiting for an answer, "intended to disclose to you all that has long made, all that still makes, existence a burden. God open your hearts to mercy as you hear! How little, my kind and beautiful child," added he, turning to Francesca, "could you think that you watched by the sick-bed of your greatest enemy! But for me," exclaimed he, rising and pacing the room in uncontrollable agitation, "you had not now been an orphan—severed from life's dearest and sweetest tie, the love of a mother! Can you forgive me? can you bear to hear my history?"

Francesca and Guido gazed with astonishment on the ghastly paleness of his haggard features, at