ventured a jeer at his expense.

"That coat of thine is not fit for the presence of the Grand Duke,"
said one.

"Carlton, you forgot to dress, today," said another, tauntingly.

"Don't bother him," added a third; "he's only a looker-on."

"That is all, gentlemen," said Carlton, as he quietly passed the
portals of the palace, secretly biting his lip with restrained
feeling. He had other business in hand than to notice these insults.
His soul was pre-occupied, and he scarcely heeded them a moment
after they had been spoken.






CHAPTER V.

AWARDING THE PRIZE.





Let the end try the man.