Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/337

334 "And yet, your Grace, the young lover then sued in vain. She can now renounce rank and wealth for his sake; but she could not leave that aged and weary man desolate in his last years."

Paris came next, and the romance of Italy was left behind.

Charles was greatly amused by the deception of Francis—there was no high feeling in himself that recoiled from such imposition; still, he felt rather glad that it was not successful—partly, perhaps, because it would have put an end to the story.

Marie's own voice faltered a little when England became the scene,—the remembrance of Guido rose upon her memory; it was fortunate, for Francesca's sake, that it did, for real feeling always excites sympathy.

"And now think how strong and how enduring has the affection been on each side! We laugh at these grandes passions, and it is well that we should—they don't come much within our social experience; but still it is as well that constancy à touts épreuve should sometimes exist, if it were only for the sake of Corneille's tragedies, and Madame Scuderi's romances."

"And also," interrupted her listener, "that we may ourselves believe, and be believed. Let