the piazza at noonday.

He retraced his steps towards the grand gallery at that time, faint
and hungry, because he had not the means to procure for himself a
dinner, avoiding his fellow-artists to escape the mortification of
expressing the extent of his poverty and want.

Carlton was in doubt as to the most proper course for him to pursue.
He hardly dared to lay the matter in its present form before the
duke, lest it might seem impertinent and obtrusive in him towards
one who had already extended unprecedented kindness and protection
towards him; and yet he knew no other source upon which he might
rely. In this dilemma, Carlton grew quite dejected. He was one of
those persons who, notwithstanding he possessed a strong mind and
determination of purpose, was easily elated or depressed in his
spirits; and the present state of affairs rendered him sad enough.

He was rudely repulsed in every endeavor to gain an audience of
Florinda by the menials of Signor Latrezzi-who had been instructed
to this effect by their master-and Carlton was obliged to content
himself with an epistolary communication, having to conduct even
this in secret.

At length one day, finding the duke in a happy mood and at leisure,
he frankly stated the matter to him as it actually existed, and
begged of him to advise him what course to pursue in the case.

"Signor Carlton," said the duke, kindly, after hearing him to the
end, "I have little love for this uncle of Florinda's, and therefore
avoid any issue with him, or I would openly express my wishes on