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Rh "Such a marriage," said Lady Mandeville, "would be a farce. Remember the inevitable punishment." "Which it will then be the interest of my bride to avert. What rational objection can the lady urge? I offer her rank—to be mistress of my heart and my castle."

Lady Mandeville glanced round the dilapidated and empty room. The Count saw the look. "Yes, our noble house has lost its ancient splendour. This has been the century of revolutions; and our family have not escaped. Should Miss Arundel prefer the security of her own more fortunate island, I am willing, for her sake, to make it my country. Alas! our Italy is as unfortunate as she is beautiful;—not hers the soil in which patriotism flourishes." "The Count Frianchettini is a patriot, then? How does the violence practised upon us accord with his ideas of liberty?" "Love, Signora, owns no rule. But, a thousand pardons—in the lover I forget the host. Permit me to hand you to the supper-table." Decision is easy where there is no choice. Faint and bewildered, Emily took her seat,