The duke then assuming his seat of state, directed the artist to
approach him. First complimenting him as a son of America, the
glorious Republic of the West, and on his extraordinary genius-as he
was pleased to express himself-he awarded him the rich prize
prepared for the occasion, at the same time offering him a sum for
the painting which would have rendered a man of moderate wishes
independent for life.

"The prize, your excellenza," said Carlton, "I gladly accept as a
token of your liberality in advancing the interests of the noble art
I follow. But as it regards the high price you have set upon my
humble effort, I can only say, that I had designed it from the first
as a present for your excellenza, and only ask in return, that it
may find a place in your private and unrivalled collection-if,
indeed, it shall be deemed worthy of that honor."

"Signor Americano," said the duke, "it shall share the Tribune with
our best pictures, and shall be prized alike with them."

Now the Tribune, so called, was a small apartment of the duke's
gallery devoted to the gems of his collection, and so named after a
similar appropriation in the departments of the grand gallery of
Florence. The hanging of a picture in this place was of itself alone
the highest compliment the author could receive through his
production; and so did Carlton understand and appreciate the honor
thus designed him, which also was the more welcome, being entirely
unexpected.

He could hardly realize that his humble effort should be deemed