“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 himself, who found that nothing save some open and decided offense could bring matters to an issue.

“You don’t seem to get along very fast in this little matter,” said one of his friends rather tauntingly to him.

“No, it doesn’t look much like a draw-game between them, either,” said another friend, venturing a pun.

“Curse him,” growled Petro, “he’s a coward, and wont take offence.  What can a man do in such a case as that?”

“Carlton doesn’t look to me just like a coward,” said one of the speakers; “but he doesn’t want to fight you, Petro.”

“Can’t help it,” said Petro, “he must do it.”

“Well, then, give him a chance, and have it over.”

“I’ll improve the first opportunity, believe me.”

But Petro did not further annoy Carlton that evening; the coolness and self-possession he evinced quite nonplussed the angry Italian.

CHAPTER IX.

The duel.

What folly ’tis to hazard life for ill.

-Timon of Athens.