The Duke's Prize; a Story of Art and Heart in Florence by Maturin Murray Ballou
page 87 of 249 (34%)
page 87 of 249 (34%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
gaining the hand of Florinda for a set. Her uncle, fearing the
displeasure of the duke, avoided any public opposition as we have before said, to the attentions of Carlton; consequently in public he enjoyed her society as one friend may enjoy that of another, while the world are by. The hours flew by as hours only fly along the happy, until the time had nearly arrived for the guests to depart, when Carlton, coolly walking up to Petro, who stood in an exposed situation, said, in a tone not to be mistaken: "Signor Petro, follow me!" "Si, Signor Americano," was the prompt reply. Both left the hall together, the friends of Petro alone understanding the probable design of the movement. The two sought a secluded cafe in silence, and then settled the preliminaries for a meeting, or duel, on the following morning, in which Petro declared one of them should fall. "I would have escaped this encounter for your sake as well as my own," said Carlton, after the arrangements were concluded. "I know very well that you have a reputation for being an expert swordsman, but I fear not. Justice is stronger than art, and you will find it so, Signor Petro, on the morrow." "I do not wish to anticipate, Signor Americano, but I must advise thee to prepare for death on the morrow." "True, Signor Petro," said Carlton, earnestly, "neither of us knows what the morrow may bring forth." |
|