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CHAPTER XXV.
"So I hear that his Majesty has granted you the manors of Evelyn," said Lord Avonleigh to the Duke of Buckingham. "Our hunting is very good; and I trust we shall have you for something more than a temporary neighbour."
"I only hope that you will not see too much of me. Human nature never yet resisted temptation. Sylvan shades that boast such a Diana have attractions which might tempt us to realise the visions of 'Old Arcady,'" replied the other, turning to Francesca, whose eyes were fixed on the ground, and whose cheek was suffused with the deepest carnation.
With the vanity of a man whose conquests had lacked one only charm—difficulty, he immediately applied the blush to himself; but Madame de Sois-
