"Ay, and pauses to observe us; I will away. You will remember."

"I will await you at that time, Carlton."

"Good night, Florinda," whispered Carlton, pressing the hand
extended to him from over the balcony, just within reach.

"Good night." And they parted from each other, not daring to hold
further conversation lest they might be observed, and their future
plans suspected and defeated by the agents of her uncle.

Petro determined to prevent this meeting, or rather to be present at
it, and he hurried from the spot without meeting Carlton, resolving
to be punctually at the terrace a little before eleven. It was
evident that he had formed some plan in which he placed much
confidence, by the revengeful smile that played about his scornful
lips.

It was near the hour of eleven that night, when Carlton drew near
the little terrace that jutted from the window of Florinda's
apartment, He saw by the pale moonlight reflected upon the clock of
the neighboring church, that it lacked yet some fifteen minutes of
the appointed time for the meeting, and humming lightly to himself,
to kill the minutes, he sat down within a shady angle of the palace
wall. His approach was noted by the watchful Petro who, as soon as
he saw him seated, determined, if possible, to obtain possession of
the answer which he knew Carlton awaited!

To accomplish this purpose, required much cunning and prudence; but
he was fully equal to the plan-for what Italian has not cunning and