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Rh answered Francesca, who had been gradually gaining courage. "Will your Eminence vouchsafe to hear me—the only favour I have to ask?"

"Why, that my curiosity alone would insure; for I cannot understand what can induce a young woman to refuse such honourable protection, or a beautiful one such a prospect."

"Ah, your Grace! I have never been happy in France. I dislike the life I must lead at your"—she hesitated—"gay court. My plan is fixed. When Guido arrives, we will at once return to our native country; we have sufficient independence for our few wishes, and we shall at least be content."

"I do not perceive," thought Mazarin, "one single motive the girl can have for dissimulation;—she must, therefore, be a fool. Still, there is something about her that interests me; and she was poor Henriette's dearest friend."

Then again addressing Francesca, he continued: "You are not well—depressed, too, in spirits; and I can readily believe the very thought of exertion is odious. I shall not, therefore, take an answer now. Give a few hours' calm reflection to my proposal, and send me your decision this evening."