st that there is nothing
positive,----nothing like an engagement?"

"And why, dear?--whence these cautious scruples?" said Lady Hester,
almost peevishly.

"Simply because he is very unworthy of you," said Kate, bluntly, and
blushing deep at her own hardihood.

"Oh, I'm quite sure of that," said Lady Hester, casting down her eyes.
"I know--I feel that I am mistaken and misunderstood. The world has
always judged me unfairly! you alone, dearest, ever comprehended me; and
even you could not guess of what I am capable! If you were to read my
journal--if you were just to see what sufferings I have gone through!
And then that terrible shock! though, I must say, D'Esmonde's mode of
communicating it was delicacy itself. A very strange man that Abbe
is, Kate. He now and then talks in a way that makes one suspect his
affections are or have been engaged."

"I always believed him too deeply immersed in other cares."

"Oh, what a short-sighted judgment, child! These are the minds that
always feel most! I know this by myself--daring the last two years
especially! When I think what I have gone through! The fate, not
alone of Italy, but of Europe, of the world, I may say, discussed
and determined at our fireside! Yes, Kate, I assure you, so it was.
D'Esmonde referred many points to me, saying 'that the keener perception
of a female mind must be our pilot here.' Of course, I felt all the
responsibility, but never, never was I agitated. How often have I
held the destiny of the Imperial House in my hands! How little do they
suspect what they owe to my forbearance! But these are not themes to
interest you, dearest, and, of course, your prejudices are all Austrian.
I must say, Kate, 'the uncle' is charming! Just that kind of dear old
creature so graceful for a young woman to lean upon; and I love his
long white moustache! His French, too, is admirable,----that Madame
de Sevigne turn of expression, so unlike modern flippancy, and so
respectful to women!"

"I hope you like Frank!" said Kate, with artless eagerness in her look.

"He 's wonderfully good-looking without seeming to know it; but, of
course, one cannot expect that to last, Kate."

"Oh! you cannot think how handsome he was before this illness; and then
he is so gentle and affectionate."

"There--there, child, you must not make me fall in love with him, for
you know all my sympathies are Italian; and, having embroidered that
beautiful banner for the 'Legion of Hope'--pretty