The seats and couches were of stuffed and figured velvet from the
manufactories of the queen of the Adriatic, Venice. The scarcely
less soft and pliant carpet was of eastern ingenuity, and no richer
served the Turkish Sultan himself. Two opposite sides of the
apartment were ornamented each with a mirror of extensive size.
About their richly gilded frames was wound, in graceful festoons,
the finest Mechlin lace as a screen for the eye.

On one side of the room stood an American piano, and beside it a
harp of surpassing richness. Here Carlton and Florinda were seated
at this time in all the confidence and enjoyment of acknowledged
love.

"Carlton, I told thee that fortune would smile upon thee; thou
rememberest that I told thee."

"It has indeed, and I am blessed."

And thus saying, he pressed the delicate, jewelled hand that he held
affectionately to his lips, while his eyes beamed with love.

"You have promised me that you will visit my native land with me
after our marriage, dear Florinda."

"O, nothing will delight me more than to see the American Republic;
the cities and towns of the New World, its people and customs. O,
how I have ever wished to travel! Only to think, Carlton, I have
scarcely been out of Italy! I once made a trip with uncle across the
sea to Malaga and back, touching at the islands; that was years gone
by. Since then I have been at times to Milan, Genoa, Leghorn and