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Rh having much to forgive rather endeared Marie than not: and in immediate circumstances there was nothing to call forth the worst parts of her character.

Madame de Soissons' return to her girlish friendship was modified by many more worldly reasons. She was unconsciously influenced by the changed circumstances in which she found Francesca. Accustomed to regard rank and wealth as the gods of this lower world, it was impossible not to pay them homage wherever she found them. She also really loved our heroine as much as it was in her nature to love any one. The gloss of novelty was still fresh upon their intimacy; both had much to tell and hear; their past was in common, and they did not interfere in the slightest degree at present. There was also one mutual feeling which they had, like their whole sex—confidence is a feminine necessity. There are very few women but who like each other's society, and of this liking sympathy is the grand secret: none but themselves can fully enter into their hopes, fears, and plans; all of which are nothing without being discussed. A woman only can understand a woman; and it is pleasant to be understood sometimes.

Within the last day or two, Madame de