It is a masked ball that occupies the gay throng in the ducal
palace. That is to say, in accordance with a general custom of the
times, those who please are masked until midnight, when, at the
sound of the hour from the great throat of the bell, all masks are
removed, and all disguises laid aside. Carlton as the successful
protege of the Grand Duke, and Carlton the humble artist, was a very
different person. He was the observed of all observers; and many a
rich belle sought his side-nay, even leaned upon his arm, as he
strolled through the gorgeous rooms of the palace. They were
sufficiently disguised by their masks to remove any fear of personal
recognition; and therefore, those who knew him not, save by the late
scene of winning the prize, besought his escort for the dance-a
piece of forwardness quite allowable during the masked part of the
ball. Many were the eyes that were bent upon him; and more than one
glance of jealousy was shot towards him by s young nobles, as they
saw the belles drawn to his side.

[SEE ENGRAVING.]

Carlton was naturally graceful, dignified and handsome, and bore his
new position as though he had ever filled it-now chatting gaily with
this lady, now with that, but all the while striving to detect
through the many disguises of dresses and masks, the one form that
was to him all in all-the queen of his heart and his love, Signorina
Florinda. He was himself unmasked, and wore a rich Grecian
head-dress, a tunic of dark velvet, trimmed with rich ermine, and
clasped close about the throat with checks of gold. His silken hose,
and velvet shoes faced with silver thread, set off his fine limbs to
perfection. A light, graceful dirk hung at his silver girdle,
finishing a costume of great simplicity and beauty. On his right arm