Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/95

92 I wish for nothing but to leave France as soon as possible."

"But surely;" exclaimed Marie, relenting in her secret soul, "you can stay with me till you do?"

"I prefer the quiet of the convent; and Guido will soon be here."

The conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Bournonville, looking half haste, half consternation. "Signora, what shall I do—what will you do? I cannot accompany you to the Carmelite convent. You know the beautiful Italian greyhound his Eminence gave Mademoiselle? It has been dangerously ill—it is now recovering, and her Highness cannot rest till she has its picture. I alone, she is graciously pleased to say, can give that immortality to the Cardinal's gift which his kindness deserves. Even if Fido perish, its image will live in her memory, and on canvass. She has sent for me three times."

"If, Francesca," said Madame de Soissons, in an altered tone, "you determine on going to the Carmelite convent, at least let me take you there."

Francesca saw at a glance the change in her companion's humour. "Why should we part unkindly?" crossed her mind, and she accepted