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CHAPTER XIV.
"I loved her; for her sweet familiar face
Brought back my earlier self."
The great fatigue of the day being too much for the delicate state of Madame de Mercœur's health, she soon retired; and early in the evening she and Francesca found themselves, for the first time, tête-à-tête, and without fear of interruption.
The evening was chilly; some fresh wood was heaped on the hearth; they drew the fauteuils closer to the fire and to each other; and felt as if old times and sentiments were come again. Past events and past feelings soon led to present recollections; but, to Francesca's surprise, the Duchesse did not seem to consider their position so perfect in felicity as it appeared to her guest.
"What," exclaimed her youthful friend, "Have
