derision; for he had his mind more upon Florinda's fortune and title
than upon her person, though he did also feel an ambition to possess
so rich and rare a jewel as herself.

"Do you know, Petro, how Signor Carlton first became acquainted with
Florinda? It has ever been a mystery to me."

"'Twas at the convent, I believe," replied Petro. "I have been told
that he was employed by the prioress to copy some valuable painting,
and while thus engaged, formed the acquaintance."

"Gita" (Florinda's maid) "has told me that it was he who taught her
to play so sweetly upon the guitar. Can this be so?"

"Si, signor, this also commenced at the convent. Carlton exhibited
by chance one day his singular skill upon the instrument, and being
engaged there for many weeks, he became acquainted with many young
ladies, and among them Florinda, to whom he gave a few lessons on
the instrument. Afterwards becoming better acquainted with Florinda,
he taught her some of the airs of his country, and by degrees seemed
to impart his really singular skill upon the instrument to her. I
never knew that these Americans were such musicians before."

Petro spoke truly. Carlton had first become acquainted with Florinda
at the convent as stated, and while teaching her upon that most
graceful instrument, the guitar, of which he was a perfect
master-each learned to love the other, without realizing the fact
until the time for parting arrived, when the tears stood in
Florinda's eyes while they met Carlton's, and each read a volume of
love and constancy there. They often met from that time, and the