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10 —it was not her good favour that the Countess intended to conciliate. A group of the noblest of the court crowded round; and as Francesca's gaze dwelt on the waving plumes, the golden embroidery, the many-coloured lights flashing from the profusion of gems, she involuntarily asked herself, "Can Marie, now the centre of this gorgeous circle, be the same with whom I have so often gathered wild flowers and wood strawberries?"

The star of Cardinal Mazarin's destiny had rays for many beside himself. Let a fortunate man do what he will for his own fate, he nevertheless works the most for the benefit of others.