attending. All the elite of Florence were there, and great was
the excitement when Countess Rosali entered the ball room with an
exceedingly beautiful woman--a queenly blonde--the lady about
whom all Florence was interested--an English heiress, clever as
she was fair, speaking French with a courtly grace and Italian
with fluent skill; and when the prince stood before her he
recognized in one moment the original of his famous "Guinevere."

The countess was in danger--a fairer, brighter star had arisen.
Valentine Charteris was the belle of the most brilliant hall ever
given in Florence.

When the prince had received his guest, and danced once with Miss
Charteris, he asked her if she would like to see his celebrated
picture, the "Guinevere," whose fame was spreading fast.

"Nothing," she said, "would please her better;" and as the
Countess Rosali stood near, the prince included her in the
invitation.

"Certainly; I never tire of the 'Guinevere,' never weary of the
artist's triumph, for he is one of the most valued of my
friends."

Prince di Borgesi smiled, thinking how much of the fair
coquette's admiration went to the artist's talent, and how much
to his handsome face.

They entered the long gallery, where some of the finest pictures
in Italy were hung. The prince led the ladies to the southern