Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/354

Rh your displeasure. Sufficient cause, I am sure; but one which I hope to remove."

Lord Avonleigh looked aghast, and, never very ready with his own resources, endeavoured to catch Buckingham's eye, but in vain. The Duke's attention was fixed on Madame de Soissons; their eyes met, and both laughed. His volatile temper was already caught with the absurdity of having been so outwitted, and Lord Avonleigh's consternation was ample recompense. He resolved he should get through it as he could.

"May we take your silence for consent?" asked Charles, after a pause.

"Your Grace has been strangely deceived—the Lady Francesca is too ill to leave her room." Lord Avouleigh had not tact enough to perceive that the truth would now have been his best policy.

"Nay," replied Charles, gravely, "this is carrying your anger too far. Allow me to mediate between you. I must entreat, nay, I command, the Lady Francesca's presence."

"Your Grace's commands are absolute," said Lord Avonleigh, as he perceived that Buckingham would not come to his assistance, and found, as he could not trust to the Duke, he must trust to chance. "Take the key of the south gallery,"