THE STORY OP A PICTURE.

change of scene and of fortune, had seldom, if ever
left her mind.
 There was a long silence, for Francesca was think-
ing deeply too, as she gazed on her silken lilies; but
her thoughts were fixed on the unexpected pleasure of
spending the evening at her father's home.
 What jewels will you wear to-night, Maria ?'
she said at length.
 "Jewels, Francesca-jewels; well, I don't know
yet." She scarcely knew what the question was.
"I'll wear whatever you like, dear Francesca," she
added, "you always choose yours with such taste."
 "Indeed, Maria! Do you think so? For my part,
I fancy that you must have some charm about you, to
make the simplest thing you wear look positively
beautiful."
 Maria laughed. "Very nice compliments, my dear
 Francesca."
 "C It is only what I think," she answered. "c But,
 if you really wish me to choose for you to-night, I will.
 I should like to see that string of pearls round your
 neck that Leonardo gave you three-six months ago,
 and you never wore since except doubled as a bracelet."
 Then," she replied, I shall wear the pearls on
 my arm to-night to please you."
 "On your neck, Maria; I don't think they were
 ever meant for a bracelet."
 Anything else, dearest Francesca," she answered,
 taking in her hand the gold cross that she wore; "I
 cannot put this aside, there are recollections connected
 with it which make it dearer to me than more costly
 ornaments."
 Then as you like it so much, Maria, I suppose
 you must wear it. For my part," added Francesca,
 "I don't think that we need bestow any care at all