"Your excellenza is ever kind."

A new field was opened for Carlton, and he was as much elated as he
had heretofore been depressed; and he resolved to take the hint of
the duke, and bring matters to an issue in the most summary manner.

Young Petro Giampetti immediately on his return to Florence, having
learned the state of affairs between Carlton and Florinda, had
resolved at once to challenge his rival; being an expert swordsman,
and knowing Carlton's peaceful occupation, he made no doubt that he
could easily despatch him in single combat, and thus rid himself of
one who, to say the least, was a very dangerous rival.

In this frame of mind, Petro sought some cause of difference with
Carlton other than the true one at issue-a quarrel could hardly be
raised, inasmuch as the latter remained ignorant even of the
pretensions of Petro, or the design of Florinda's uncle up to the
time of their return from Bologna.

Failing otherwise to accomplish his purpose, Petro, whose standing
and connection served him as a key to the royal presence, sought to
offer at court some slight to Carlton, so public and marked as to
render it necessary for him to demand satisfaction after the code of
Italian honor. Three times, in pursuance of this object, he had
vainly endeavored to accomplish his purpose; but each time, Carlton,
basking in the sunshine of royal favor, turned by without notice the
intended insult in such a manner as to show himself as feeling far
above an insult from such a source, and again in so cool and
diplomatic a manner, as to turn the very game upon poor Petro