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88 and mortification? O no! this court is well for those who have rank, fortune, and friends; but I, poor, a foreigner, without kindred or connexion—what have I to do here? There was a time when I desired to mix in society, to catch, if possible, its grace and its ease—I deemed that so much worthier should I be of Evelyn's love; but now that is all over. Why should I desire improvement—what, now, is success to me?" And she hid her face in her hands, as if to shut out even from herself the bitter consciousness of despised and misplaced affection. "Yet, something," continued she, rousing herself, "I must do; this"—glancing round the desolate chamber—"is indeed no more my home. Guido will be here in a week's time. Why not for that brief period take up my residence in the Carmelite convent? M. Bournonville will, I am sure, make the arrangement for me."

She started from her seat, and sent a message to him. Fortunately the page found him able to obey the summons immediately, which he did with the more readiness as Francesca was a great favourite, and one who, during Madame de Mercœur's life-time, had seized many opportunities of conferring those slight obligations which are often more gratefully remembered than more important