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290 enabled her to meet Meilleraye with less restraint. The worst she had to apprehend were a harsh word, a dark brow, and perhaps delay; but her own constancy was only needful to secure the future. "We were born on the same spot—we have grown up together—yet how different," exclaimed Francesca, "Has our lot in life been!" She thought mournfully on Guido's early grave; and its darkness seemed to gather over herself.

Madame de Soissons entered into none of her apprehensions, and felt all the pride of art in the necessary deception. As the hour approached she contrived to collect the whole circle round her; but as Buckingham and Lord Avonleigh were the only persons likely to interfere with Francesca's arrangements, to them her attention was chiefly devoted. The Duke accepted her challenge to the card-table, and Lord Avonleigh was detained to give his advice—and even about an odd trick it is pleasant to have one's advice asked and taken. She paid attention to Lord Avonleigh, with a little feeling of triumph all the time to think she was duping him; and the Duke had a similar sensation towards herself—for he was quite persuaded that he had at length succeeded in conciliating Francesca's most influential friend.

Considering what a useful thing deception is—