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278 well acquainted with the mysteries of its shape, opened it, and read its contents, before the girl had recovered her surprise.

"A pretty messenger you are," said the volatile intruder, "to let your mistress's notes be caught in this manner! Why you are not worth your ribands! I shall certainly take this one back to the Lady Francesca, and give her some good advice how she sends letters by you any more."

The girl had but her sex's usual resource, and she availed herself of it—that is, she began to cry, or rather whimper, exclaiming, "that she should lose her place!"

"Place! place!" said the King—"if it comes to that, you must have the paper back again. There is a fatality in the word: 'place! place!' is the cry with every one who comes near me. For God's sake, keep your present one—for really I have none vacant at this moment."

"There—you have unfolded it!" And in her despair at the numerous folds, Alice forgot to observe the contents.

"Pshaw!—there, all's right again—but you must pay me for my trouble." So saying, he retwisted the note, kissed the bearer, and walked off with a careless composure.

The damsel might admire, but not emulate.