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SEVEN STUDIOUS SISTERS
and as they rose, he bent forward with a twinkle, whispering:—
"You have done well, My Lord Rector, in carrying out your purpose. It is pity that you may not marry them all."
For the first time he found no answering jest in his favorite's eyes, and would have inquired why, but the philosopher who stood nearest, and had caught the whisper, smiled, and taking Sylvie's hand, led her to the foot of the throne, saying:—
"But I, your Majesty, may wed this lady with the King's consent, for she has given hers." Then a second philosopher led forth Natalie, and a third Amelie, and a fourth Virginie, and a fifth Sidonie, and a sixth Dorothée, and behold! the seven sisters were again kneeling before the
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