It was a noble animal which he seemed to have such consideration
for, and was a gift of the duke's from his own stable-an animal that
had already learned to love his new master, and stood with arching
neck, and brilliant eye, as though no labor or fatigue could banish
his conscious pride. The young artist regarded him with undisguised
admiration, petted him by a few gentle strokes upon the head and a
kind word, and said, "Yes, Prince, you and I will tarry here until
morning, and go back to town with renewed strength and vigor gained
from this mountain air."

Having seen that his horse was properly bestowed, Carlton returned
to the house, and passed immediately into the little parlor of the
inn where the ceremony had just been performed, little anticipating
the startling scene that there awaited him. The astonishment of
Carlton at beholding Florinda there, surrounded by the servants
endeavoring to resuscitate her, with Petro and his uncle, Signor
Latrezzi, can better be imagined than described. Twice did he dash
his hand across his eyes, as if to assure himself that he was not
dreaming; then thrusting them recklessly aside, he was about to
raise her in his arms, when Petro, who was taken completely by
surprise, recognized him and, drawing his stiletto, struck fiercely
at his heart.

Carlton received the blow partly upon the arm, where it inflicted a
flesh wound only. Turning upon the Italian, with one blow of his
muscular arm, he threw him prostrate upon the floor; and half way
across the apartment; then drawing from the ample pocket of his
riding-coat a pistol, he presented it at the infuriated Petro,
bidding him to stand back, or his life should pay the forfeit.