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Rh But a thousand thanks for your goodness. How happy this will make my poor Francesca!"

They now changed the subject, for Marie's quick eye had detected Buckingham's entrance; and she began to draw a laughing picture of the melancholy alteration which their departure would occasion in the Castle.

"These poor, dear, dull rooms—how weary they surely feel of those eternal portraits! What a comfort our countenances must have been!—why, the very old chairs must rejoice in a variety!"

At this moment Lord Avonleigh approached, with a face of solemn distress. "I must entreat your patience," said he, "if I lack to-night somewhat of the courtesy due to my illustrious guests; but I am in great anxiety of mind. The Lady Francesca has been taken dangerously ill—a fever, as my household physician declares. Do not look so alarmed, Madame; every possible precaution has been taken to prevent infection. I have given the strictest orders to interdict any communication between her attendants and those devoted to your service."

"Oh!" said la Comtesse, "I am not the least afraid. I shall request permission to see her. I can assure you she has been my nurse before now."