Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/173

170 The next day she was to wait on Madame de Savoie; on the third she was languid, and visitor after visitor came in; and on the fourth, Francesca was gone. Madame de Soissons felt a momentary pang of shame and remorse; but she was to attend the Queen to a ballet that evening. She had not yet decided on her dress; and in half an hour's time Francesca's image was merged in the contemplation involving a decision, whether pale-yellow or lilac ribands would best suit her green dress.

Nothing is so soon lost in a crowd as affection; we are in too great a hurry to attach ourselves to anything or anybody. What bitter knowledge is brought us by experience!—what change is wrought in a few passing years! How do we grow cold, indifferent, and unbelieving—we, who were so affectionate, so eager, so confiding! Perhaps we expect too much from others. Because an individual likes you, from some sudden impulse, from the effect of circumstances which drew both out agreeably, you have no right to rely on the continuance of that feeling; a fresher impulse may counteract it—a newer situation lead it to some one else; and you ought rather to be thankful for even the temporary warmth, than feel disappointed at its cessation.

But though this is what it would be wise to do,