now three years since their love for each other first began; and if
you would secure her favour, I advise you to become his friend and
follower."

Amadour was well pleased to find that Florida loved something, hoping
that in time he might gain the place not of husband but of lover. He had
no fear in regard to her virtue, but was rather afraid lest she should
be insensible to love. After this conversation he began to consort with
the son of the Infante of Fortune, and readily gained his favour, being
well skilled in all the pastimes that the young Prince was fond of,
especially in the handling of horses, in the practice of all kinds of
weapons, and indeed in every diversion and pastime befitting a young
man.

However, war broke out again in Languedoc, and it was necessary that
Amadour should return thither with the Governor. This he did, but not
without great regret, since he could in no wise contrive to return to
where he might see Florida. Accordingly, when he was setting forth, he
spoke to a brother of his, who was majordomo to the Queen of Spain,
and told him of the good match he had found in the Countess of Aranda's
house, in the person of Avanturada; entreating him, in his absence,
to do all that he could to bring about the marriage, by employing his
credit with the King, the Queen, and all his friends. The majordomo, who
was attached to his brother, not only by reason of their kinship, but on
account of Amadour's excellent qualities, promised to do his best. This
he did in such wise that the avaricious old father forgot his own nature
to ponder over the qualities of Amadour, as pictured to him by the
Countess of Aranda, and especially by the fair Florida, as well as by
the young Count of Aranda, who was now beginning to grow up, and to
esteem people of merit. When the marriage had been agreed upon by the