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206 broken, was sweet; and the Italian correct, though with the accent of a foreign land. "Our Lady never yet denied her protection to the unhappy," replied the Abbess, who saw at once that the rank of her suppliant placed her among those to whom assistance is most readily accorded; at the same time, caution might be requisite. "Your voice is sad, but sincere. Let me look upon your face." Another moment of hesitation, when a tremulous hand removed the bonnet and veil from a countenance whose momentary blush subsided into marble paleness. With the ready recollection of one who sees but few objects for remembrance, the Abbess recognised the young Englishwoman who had so lately visited her convent. "I told you of the vanity of hope—have my words so soon proved their truth? What does a stranger—whose home is afar—whose faith is not as our faith—want of Our Lady degli Dolori?" Emily clasped her hands passionately. "Peace—calm—a refuge from a wide and weary world, in which my portion is but sorrow. Home, I have none;—kindred, mine are in the grave;—no living creature will care for my