the Pitti Palace busts of the grand duchess, and portraits of her by
the first artists; on the walls of the duke's private study there is
a full length portrait of his wife done in fresco, representing her
to be what she really was, a noble and lovely woman.

Since the death of the duchess, Florinda had experienced, as we have
intimated, an increased degree of fatherly care and affection from
the duke, because of the fact of her intimacy with her whom he had
now lost. The duchess, during the period that Florinda had been with
her, had contracted for her a tender affection, and did not forget
in the trying moments of her last hours to commend her to the
continued and true guidance of the duke. This circumstance of course
rendered her an object of renewed interest and regard in the eyes of
her noble protector, with whom she dwelt as though she had been his
own well-beloved child.

In addition to this, she presented claims to his kind protection,
from the fact that she was an orphan, the last of a proud and noble
house long attached to the service of the crown-a fact that had in
the first place attracted his interest.

"Come, Carlton," said the lady, with a sweet smile, "now tell me one
of those Rhine legends which you relate with such spirit. You
promised me another."

"I will, dearest," was the reply; and her companion, drawing still
closer to her side, began as the next chapter will relate.