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176 cap and banded tresses of the Puritans—to flow in rich masses down her neck, only knotted by strings of diamonds, while a bandeau of the same precious stones crossed her forehead. Her robe was of violet satin, embroidered in black and silver; her stomacher shone with brilliants set in jet; and in one hand she held a fan formed of black feathers, confined in the middle with a diamond star.

Madame de Soissons and Lord Craven were the first of the company, and she stepped forward to receive them with the grave courtesy necessary; but her eye rested on the face of the Comtesse with a glance of recognition.

"Mon Dieu! is it possible?" exclaimed her visitor.

"Yes—how much I have to tell you!" whispered she, as she advanced to receive the others.

Astonishment was never more legibly written than in the Chevalier de Joinville's countenance when Francesca's smile confirmed her identity. He made no remark, but followed to the banqueting-room, which had been prepared with the utmost splendour. A canopy of crimson velvet, heavy with a deep fringe of gold, was placed over the dais, where the Queen was standing, having refused to sit till her young hostess appeared;