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Rh "And of that," exclaimed the other, drawing the inference more rapidly than Francesco had anticipated, "yonder truant malignant has deprived you?"

"Nay!" replied she, for her pride revolted at the conclusion to which her own inadvertent words had led. "Mr. Evelyn has over me no influence now," added she, in a faltering voice; for however painful or humiliating, Francesca was too little accustomed to falsehood to take refuge in its meanness. But their conversation was interrupted by a sudden noise in the gallery. The door was thrown hurriedly open, and Evelyn was again brought in a prisoner.