He thought the matter settled, and lived accordingly, giving himself
little trouble or thought as to the affair. He had often
congratulated himself, since he had become of an age to appreciate
such things, that he was to be so nobly connected, aside from the
unbounded wealth there was in store for him. To speak more
particularly, this latter consideration was of no little weight with
one whose family coffers and private purse were sadly low and much
needed replenishing.

Petro held the office of private secretary to his uncle in his
capacity as an officer of state, and was consequently called with
him to Bologna, and there resided with him until a few months
subsequent to the awarding of the prize by the Grand Duke for the
favored picture presented at the Pitti palace, when the business
which had called them from home being completed, he followed his
uncle on his return to Florence. He came back with a light heart,
little anticipating the scenes that were to follow, or deeming that
his hopes of future wealth and distinction by means of the proposed
alliance with Florinda, had suffered in his absence.

Thus stood matters at this period of Carlton's good fortune; and
here might have commenced our tale, but that we wished to show the
reader "how love does not level the proud, but raiseth the humble."

When Signor Latrezzi learned what had occurred during his
absence-that his most darling wish was about to be frustrated, and
the work of years overthrown, as it were, in a single day--his anger
knew no bounds, nor did he attempt to control it. He threw aside the
mask, and the storm burst about the devoted head of Florinda in all