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72 Anne of Austria, who, gazing on the speck of humanity enveloped in cambric and lace, pronounced that it "was a most promising child."

Her Majesty is not the only person who has decided on unseen merit. The mother was as well as possible; and perhaps that week there was as much hope and happiness in the Hôtel Vendôme as under any other roof in Paris.

The christening was to be unique in its splendour, and the Duchesse had fallen asleep during its details. There had been a slight shower, when suddenly the sun shone out, as it shines in that bright uncertainty which precedes another rain, and Francesca, fearing that the light should fall on Madame de Mercœur's face, rose to draw the curtain. She was not sleeping, for her eyes were open; and as her companion approached, they looked up with a strange and earnest expression. Francesca went to the bedside, and asked, in a gentle whisper, "Did she want any thing?" No answer was returned, but the features still wore the same appearance. She took the Duchesse's hand; but when she loosed her hold, it fell quite powerless on the bed. Again she spoke, and aloud; but there was no answer. Seriously alarmed, she called to the attendants, one of whom was instantly sent for the physician. He was