for with his limited means he could afford but one! They joined him
often, and asked, insultingly, why he did not try for the rich prize
offered by the Grand Duke for the choicest painting.

Smothering the resentment he felt at these a insults, Carlton made
no answer to them, but contented himself with redoubling his
exertions with the brush; and it did seem to him after such
encounters, and every new insult, that his hand received a fresh
inspiration, and his mind renewed vigor. Perhaps he needed the
incentive of pride, as well as that of love and ambition, to lead
him on, and sustain him in the prosecution of his noble endeavors.

Thus it was, when the long expected day at last arrived-the day
which was to make or mar his hope of the future; he trembled as he
realized it. The various competitors had sent in their pieces
accompanied with their names, each confident in the excellence and
finish of his own production. All were arranged in the favorite
gallery of the Grand Duke, and among them Carlton's, simply bearing
the name of "The Unknown."

The hearts of the artists of Florence beat high on that day, and the
moments were impatiently counted by all until the hour should arrive
for the public presentation and audience in the picture gallery. The
selection having been made on the previous day by the Grand Duke and
his court, the time had now arrived for him to award the prize he
had offered.

Among the throng that crowded the gates of the palace, Carlton was
observed humbly pursuing his way, turning neither to the right nor
left, and passing unnoticed some of his brother artists, who