any ties to her I love; but if it must be so, you can take your own
counsel."

"This is fine language, signor."

"It is honest language."

"I should require other evidence to make me think so."

"Because you cannot appreciate the feelings that dictate it."

"In what respect?"

"As they are caused by my regard for Signora Florinda."

"It is well to assume a virtue, if we have it not," said the
Italian, scornfully.

"I assume nothing, Signor Petro."

"Flatter not yourself that you can escape me by this assumed tone of
feeling, Signor Americano."

"You have my answer, signor."

"I shall take an early opportunity to keep you at your word," was
the menacing reply, and they separated.

Carlton would rather have engaged with any other person in an affair
of this kind than with Petro, for obvious reasons; and, as he said