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50 —so touched; but the very name of love conveyed almost an impression of terror—it was a word which she never wished to hear again. Briefly, but decidedly, she told the Duc de Candale that his suit was in vain.

With him anger was rapidly taking the place of softer emotions. "Certainly," he exclaimed, in no very gracious tone, "the folly of woman exceeds all that has ever been said about it. What can or do you expect beyond what I offer you?"

Now, when you have acted upon impulse, there is something exceedingly provoking in being suspected of acting from some interested motive; and Francesca rather warmly replied, "I am not aware of any right which you have to question me; but my expectations can have little to do with what is a mere matter of liking."

"Well," said the Duc, with that outward calmness of manner which anger often affects; "so you do not like me? I am sorry for your bad taste! and I bid you good night, quite convinced that you will repent your refusal; and I dare say you will never get married at all."

So saying, he left the terrace; while Francesca remained for a few minutes, bewildered by the suddenness of the scene, and half inclined to laugh at the Duc's parting denunciation. "The