Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/29

26 whole court, you can find no one so unprotected, so friendless, as myself. A dependant on your dependants, what refuge have I but in your own sense of right? Madame de Soissons may shew what I have to expect from an early friend—my happiness is nothing compared with the advantage of attracting you to her house for even a few passing evenings. I repeat to you calmly and truly, your pursuit may annoy, but it cannot alter me. The worst thing that I shall have to forgive will be, your own destruction of my high and respectful admiration."

"Who is the flatterer now?" asked Louis, but with a much less moody aspect.

"I do but give utterance to the universal feeling; and I can only entreat your pardon, and throw myself on your generosity."

"Allow me, Mademoiselle, to lead you to the ball-room; and the only pledge I ask of your forgiveness is, that if ever I can render you favour or service, you will not forgot that I shall venture at least to place myself on your list of friends."

Francesca's eyes were filled with tears of gratitude; she could not trust her voice to speak, but a look was sufficient answer; and, with marked and kind courtesy, the young monarch took her hand, and led her into the adjoining chamber.