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Rh scarcely five minutes in arriving; but these five minutes seemed an age. A slight change came over even his guarded countenance, as he looked upon his patient. He withdrew without uttering a word, and Francesca followed him to the ante-chamber.

"Young lady, there is no hope; one side of the Duchesse is struck with palsy; she retains her senses, and will, most probably, to the last; but she cannot live through the night."

"Good God!" exclaimed Francesca; "and the Duc de Mercœur left Paris this morning!" For a moment all command over herself was lost, and she sank on a seat, sick and faint with sudden agony.

"You must not give way to your feelings, at least now," said the physician, kindly taking her hand. "Madame is sensible, and you seem to be the only near friend about her. Go you to her room, while I send to the Cardinal, and summon my colleagues."

Francesca wrung her hands in suppressed anguish, and seated herself by the bed-side; it was evident, from the look of gratitude, that her friend recognised her; and she never afterwards moved from her sad watch beside the dying sufferer.

The physician soon returned, with two others.