"Do sit a little longer, sister Ursula. I most heartily
congratulate you on your marriage. But where is this same Lovell?
I have never seen him: I wish to congratulate him too. You are
quite as handsome as the Meridiana of Pulci, Ursula, ay, or the
Despina of Riciardetto. Riciardetto, Ursula, is a poem written by
one Fortiguerra, about ninety years ago, in imitation of the
Morgante of Pulci. It treats of the wars of Charlemagne and his
Paladins with various barbarous nations, who came to besiege Paris.
Despina was the daughter and heiress of Scricca, King of Cafria;
she was the beloved of Riciardetto, and was beautiful as an angel;
but I make no doubt you are quite as handsome as she."

"Brother," said Ursula--but the reply of Ursula I reserve for
another chapter, the present having attained to rather an uncommon
length, for which, however, the importance of the matter discussed
is a sufficient apology.



CHAPTER XI



Ursula's Tale--The Patteran--The Deep Water--Second Husband.


"Brother," said Ursula, plucking a dandelion which grew at her
feet, "I have always said that a more civil and pleasant-spoken
person than yourself can't be found. I have a great regard for you