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Rh a miracle have happened only once, and we always expect it to happen again in our own case. Fidelity is very good as a precedent,—one true lover helps on the vows of a thousand false ones."

"I see," said Marie, "your Grace has a fellow feeling for the many."

"It excites so much envy to be singular, that I pursue the beaten path from a pure spirit of Christian charity."

"Do I doubt the excellence of your motives?—I see you are inconstant only from humility."

"I could soon forget to be humble at your side; Madame de Soissons' fetters are not to be lightly worn."

"I would thank you," replied she, laughing, "but I have made a vow not to speak of myself to-night. I intend to talk of nothing but Francesca. I am about to leave England; I must implore your Grace to allow me to carry away one pleasant recollection—one whose pleasure will not be painful because past,"—and here Marie took un petit ton de sentiment,—"you must, as a parting favour, accord me Robert Evelyn's pardon?"

"I feel most mercifully disposed towards the young Republican," replied the King; "your interest throws its own charm around the object.