"What proof, sir artist," said the duke, "shall we have of the
genuineness of this production?"

"By referring to the painting, excellenza," replied Carlton; "you
will find a peculiarity of expression, a want of finish in the
features of the third figure on the extreme left of the canvass."

"You speak truly, Signor Americano; we had before noticed the
defect, and were at loss to account for it in so perfect a picture
as this before us. But what of the flaw, signor?-the discovery of
that which any one of thy profession would have noticed does not
prove the piece to be the work of thine own hands, for we also had
observed it."

"Very true, excellenza," replied Carlton, "but with your permission,
I will complete the expression of that countenance with a touch; and
when complete, it shall agree in strength of touch, style, tone of
finish, and every particular, with the rest of the piece. And,
moreover, you shall be enabled therein to recognize the likeness of
one of your own household. Is it the pleasure of your excellenza
that I add the finish before the present assembly?"

"It is our desire," said the now deeply interested monarch.

A hum of admiration arose as Carlton, after retiring for a moment,
returned with his palette and brush, and approached the picture.

While the duke's band now played to the deeply interested assembly,
Carlton, with a firm, bold touch, immediately supplied the