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176 "Is the Princess Marguerite pretty?"

"Royally so—not more; but an excellent actress. She showed her disappointment as little as she did her expectations. Truly, it was a severe task, for she had to appear amused and indifferent for the whole party. Madame de Royale did nothing but weep, till the Cardinal consoled her by a pair of diamond ear-rings set in jet,—"the most becoming things," as she asserted. I am afraid their effect was not very visible on her."

"Was there not some talk," asked Guido, "of a marriage between the Duc de Savoie and Mademoiselle?"

"Yes; and it served him as a pretext to turn his share of the visit into a mere expedition of gallantry. He has the portraits of all the unmarried princesses of Europe in his cabinet; among others, that of Mademoiselle was hung in the most conspicuous place. Now he says, 'I have seen her, and am cured.' It has reached the ears of the lady, who is furious."

"Next to her birth," said Francesca, "Mademoiselle piques herself on her beauty, I believe?"

"She said the other morning, with the utmost calmness," replied the Chevalier, "when Monsieur was rallying her on her déshabillé de voyage, 'I am handsome enough to do without dress—I like it