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."