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Rh aggravation of the offence," said her husband, half smiling at what was, nevertheless, a very natural conclusion.

We daily hear of crimes of all kinds—we are perfectly aware of their existence; but we never think of their being perpetrated by those whom we actually know. We always deem our own circle secure.

"But what led to this atrocious deed?" asked Francesca.

"Some act of treachery on the part of Monaldeschi, regarding some letters which he ventured to open, is assumed as the reason. The truth seems little known. But I have just had a letter from the Comte l'Escars, detailing all the circumstances that came to his knowledge;" and taking out the scroll, the Duc read as follows, adding, "I have omitted the first part of the letter, as being on my own business."

"You must pardon my thus hurrying over your affair, to say nothing of its being so incomplete; but my whole mind is so impressed with the strange tragedy of yesterday, that I can think, speak, write of nothing else. The ex-Queen of Sweden has had one of the gentlemen of her suite put to death in a manner equally sudden and barbarous; and what excites in me a strong personal