The Duke's Prize A Story of Art and Heart in Florence

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overcome had impeded his progress, physical suffering had been patiently endured, and yet the dark side of his fortune might be said to have hardly been turned upon his gate as yet. The love of Florinda had ever sustained him; her solemn pro

ed to be so; and up to the time the Grand Duke had become her guardian, he had himself assumed the care of his lovely young niece. Some openly declared that he had done this from mercenary motives; but be that as it may, the story will divulge his character.

by her side in order the more surely to carry it out, but he could not decline the office to which he was now appointed, and thus he was obliged to leave. He had long designed her hand for an equally favorite nephew on his wife's side, and on this match had firmly fixed h

mercenary calculation, such an affair did not create much remark or interest between even the parties themselves. Aside from the considerations of family honor, the pride of birth and noble blood, the large, nay, unequalled fortune of Florinda-always excepting that of the Grand Duke-was a strong inducement to this step. That her relation had some per

selfish in all his dealings with the rest of the world. His nephew, Petro Giampetti, was probably the only being he really loved; nor was his regard for him unalloyed, but tempered with that selfishness that formed a promine

friends and no confidants, and there were some dark hints thrown out touching his honesty in the matter of a sum of money entrusted to his car

evil-disposed person. His dark, swarthy countenance was rendered handsome by a remarkably deep, piercing eye, about which there was a certain something which, while you could not ex

d mind, for none knew better how to appreciate both than Petro; and, taken in connection with his anticipated union with her, he perhaps loved her as the world goe

had become of an age to appreciate such things, that he was to be so nobly connected, aside from the unbounded wealth there was in store for him. To speak mor

ding of the prize by the Grand Duke for the favored picture presented at the Pitti palace, when the business which had called them from home being completed, he followed his uncle on his return to Florence. He cam

ere might have commenced our tale, but that we wished to show the

ted, and the work of years overthrown, as it were, in a single day-his anger knew no bounds, nor did he attempt to c

girl, and humored her most annoying fancies? He could scarcely contain himself. Here was a denouement for the proud old noble-his niece engaged to an American artist; his Italian blood boiled at the thought.

pressed wish, and even orders. Immediately on her uncle's return to Florence, Florinda had removed from the duke's palace to that of her forefathers, in order to assume, in some degree, the direction of her own affairs. Here Carlton was peremptorily refused admittance by the directions of her uncle;

ne day to Florinda's uncle, "this

f your highne

-I know s

s has much be

an his meri

zi bowed, but

observed his intim

lenza,

uple they

excellenz

nd if I mistake not

t that, ex

er I cannot read the language of her

foreigner,

of t

nobly born, and bears some of th

he matter," said th

se the matter, taking good care to avoid any interference with one whose wish, when expressed, was law. His opposition to the proposed marriage was, however, none the less rigorous; and he determined, on such occa

s conscious pride and self-interest both prompted him in this emergency; for in the case of Florinda's marrying Petro, as we have already intimated, there wou

plans. But then he was no longer the poor painter, who did not know where his next meal was to be obtained; he was no longer the hungry artist-the butt and jest of his old companions. No! he was under the patronage of the Grand Duke,

the rich dress of a court favorite, while the plenty and comfort he now enjoyed had again filled his sunken cheek, and lit up the fire of his

r above them-a circle which was as inaccessible to them as the throne itself. What was his return to them for the spirit they had ever manifested towards

d in every way their studies, and even condescended gratuitously to teach them, and they were very ready and happy to thrive under his

asked one young artist of ano

s, the American art

is after him-w

ishing touch to a bi

clever

o so well as he," was th

good fortune to the share of him they had so lately scoffed at in the open streets of Florence. One, to see their ready

t favorably on our bark, and none are so ready to do obeisance as those very curs who have barked and growled at us the loudest. Carlton, the court favorite, the un

cause he had not the means to procure for himself a dinner, avoiding his fellow-ar

s 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 o

ignor Latrezzi-who had been instructed to this effect by their master-and Carlton was oblige

re, he frankly stated the matter to him as it actually existed,

any issue with him, or I would openly express my wishes on this point. But as it is, Signor Americano, there are fleet horses in Florence,

repeated Carlto

are plenty i

is pleased to

at

of cabriolets in

ot take

enza speaks

nt, Signor Carlton, s

excellenza h

ut that which your own judgment sho

llenza, I und

p in all cases when it can be reaso

llenza is

had heretofore been depressed; and he resolved to take the hint of

d resolved at once to challenge his rival; being an expert swordsman, and knowing Carlton's peaceful occupation, he made no doubt

at issue-a quarrel could hardly be raised, inasmuch as the latter remained ignorant even of the pr

fter 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 a

t in this little matter," said one of

raw-game between them, either," sa

etro, "he's a coward,

do in such a

coward," said one of the speakers; "bu

" said Petro, "

e him a chance,

e first opportun

evening; the coolness and self-possession h