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322 the chamber. A sound of most jarring cheerfulness struck upon her ear—a glare of unwelcome light poured upon her eyes—and in the very act of fitting on the lid to the coffin stood a man, singing one of the popular political songs of the time; having previously unclosed the shutters, that he might see to do his work! Hurriedly she retreated to her own room, the careless singing of the workman smiting her with a bitter sense of desolation.

In the first exaggeration of sorrow, it seemed as if every thing must sympathise with her great grief; and in the equal exaggeration of disappointment, it now seemed as if there was no sympathy in the world. She paced the room in a passionate burst of weeping, from which she was first recalled by the quiet entrance of Lucy, who, marking her agitation, took her hand kindly, and, leading her to the window seat, sought to soothe her by the most gentle tenderness. Ah! the magic of a few kind words! how unutterably dear they are! Francesca felt their full value; and her tears flowed less bitterly in the presence of her affectionate and kind companion.