"And you do not consider this communication any great proof of my discretion? On the contrary, it is its seal. I could not help gratifying you by telling you what sincere friends you had; and myself, by entreating permission to remain at least in their outward rank."
What answer but a gracious one could be made to such a speech? And the Chevalier with obvious discontent, obeyed Mademoiselle Mancini's signal, who wanted to ask some question respecting the royal departure, on which he was to be an attendant.
Francesca remained, rather marvelling in her own mind at the change in De Joinville. With all her recently acquired experience in society, she scarcely arrived at the right conclusion. The truth was, her last words to Evelyn had done her great service with the Chevalier, who was charmed to hear her say, that it was no preference that had ensured her fidelity. No man likes to hear that any woman is in love with his friend—it seems a sort of personal affront to himself; and, without being épris with Francesca, De Joinville admired her quite enough to have an undefined resentment at her favour to another. And here we cannot but note the less selfish nature of woman. In nine cases out of ten, a girl is delighted in her
