it. Was not Florinda about to marry a heretic, an American, a mere
artist, without any claim to noble blood, and against the wish of
her uncle and guardian? How cunningly did Mahomet add a new chapter
to the Koran in justification of his amour With Mary the Coptic
girl! "All things are fair and honorable in love," said Petro to
himself, "even as in war; and I should be a fool if I failed to take
advantage of any circumstance that chance may throw in my way. No,
no; honor is not to step in between me and my love-it shall not
defeat my purposes. I will win the battle first, and then repent
afterwards. 'Tis the only course I can pursue."

Having reasoned to himself much after this manner, he communicated
the whole affair to his uncle, in whom he was sure of finding one
who would lend his ready aid in the accomplishment of his purpose.
Signor Latrezzi having employed every other means to prevent the
proposed connection between Florinda and the American artist, gladly
received the proposition made to him by Petro, and fully entering
into the spirit of the latter, determined to resort to stratagem to
accomplish his grand object.

It was accordingly agreed between Petro and his uncle that he,
Petro, should be at the gate that night, as specified in Carlton's
note to Florinda, where he should meet her so disguised and muffled
up as not to be recognized, and thus by artful management pass for
Carlton; soon after their leaving the city, they were to stop at a
small public house on the road, where a priest should meet them; and
having received his instructions from Signor Latrezzi as to the
particulars of the case, would understand how to play his part in
the deceit, uniting them without question.