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220 interest in Francesca had received a new impetus. A brain so fertile as her own in projects could not long be without one. The Duke of Buckingham had been the means of overthrowing a scheme of her's,—she would try if it would not be possible to overthrow one of his. "Diamonds and hearts," exclaimed she,—"the same game over again. I have lost the first game, but I shall have my revenge." That very day Madame de Soissons had learned from Henriette, that all hope of an alliance between her son and Hortense was hopeless. "Her predilection," said the Queen, "for the Comte de Mielleraye is so marked."

The Comtesse, in her heart, execrated the blind folly of her sister, but still more the subtle policy of the adversary which had thrown the early lover in the way of ambition. Perhaps it would have given her little pleasure to have seen Hortense so far elevated above herself; but envy was now hors de combat, and, except vengeance, nothing remained to console a disappointment rendered more bitter by defeat. She knew, however, from whose hand the arrow came, and she resolved on returning it. The truth was, that the Duke of Buckingham had a better memory for the sleights of the French court than his indolent master; and when he heard of the proposed visit,