"Nothing, save that Florinda is nobly born, and bears some of the
best and oldest blood of Italy."

"Time will settle the matter," said the duke, turning away.

Signor Latrezzi having ascertained that the duke favored the
alliance of his niece with the American artist, was too good a
subject-or rather, too experienced a courtier-to attempt openly
before his master to oppose the matter, taking good care to avoid
any interference with one whose wish, when expressed, was law. His
opposition to the proposed marriage was, however, none the less
rigorous; and he determined, on such occasions as he could do so, to
exercise his spirit with impunity, and he was often heard to say
that the affair should never take place, even if he was himself
obliged to call out the young American to single combat.

The thought of the bare possibility of the connection as sanctioned
by the duke, so embittered his feelings as to render him
disagreeable to all about him. His conscious pride and self-interest
both prompted him in this emergency; for in the case of Florinda's
marrying Petro, as we have already intimated, there would be some
important pecuniary interest of his own benefited thereby-and then
his old aristocratic notions were shocked at the prospect of the
plebeian match.

Now was poor Carlton cornered on the chequer-board of life, and he
must play boldly, if he would reach the desired goal. He had those
to deal with who possessed every facility and advantage successfully
to battle him in his hopes and plans. But then he was no longer the
poor painter, who did not know where his next meal was to be