And thus it was agreed that Florinda should be made to marry Petro,
thinking him to be Carlton. To render all things sure, and that
nothing should be overlooked as it regarded necessary precaution,
the uncle was to go on and stop at the inn during the afternoon with
the priest, and arrange everything properly for the proposed
deception.

"It is the only means by which we can accomplish our purpose," said
Petro to his uncle, in justification of the plan they had adopted,
and snatching at any idea that might screen him in some degree from
his own conscience, relative to the dishonest measure they were
engaged in.

"It is plain," said Signor Latrezzi, "that this Signor Carlton-this
American artist, has got the girl's heart."

"Irrevocably."

The uncle started-the thought shooting across even his hardened and
calloused heart-can this man design to marry Florinda, and yet
believe, as he says, that she irrevocably loves another man?

"Ay," he continued, with the purpose of justifying himself, as Petro
had done, "she is so obstinate about it, too."

"Yes, but this will most certainly render her perfectly tractable-no
doubt," said Petro-with a laugh, thus showing how much he really
loved her who was destined to become his victim.

"There's little heart in this business."