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Rh, each with torch in hand, lined the avenue, whose yet leafless boughs were dark with night if not with foliage. The red glare on their path but made more beautiful the silvery moonlight, which rested unbroken on the park around, across which bounded the deer, roused from their quiet sleep by the unwonted intrusion on the silent night. A blaze of fireworks kindled the whole atmosphere, while the stately battlements shone distinct as at noon, when the Queen alighted; and at the foot of the flight of steps which led to the hall, Francesca was in waiting at the head of the female attendants. She knelt while her father presented her.

"Nay!" exclaimed Henriette, "I cannot allow homage where I would only receive kindness."

Lord Avonleigh accepted the gracious speech with a due return of acknowledgment. They passed on, and his daughter was left to do the honours of welcome to the other guests. The light of the illuminated arch raised above fell direct on her face; and, attired in the splendour which suited her own rank and the occasion, never perhaps had she appeared to greater advantage. Her long black hair was left, according to the fashion then prevalent—the more prevalent from the complete contrast which it offered to the close