Having reasoned to himself much after this manner, he communicated the whole affair to his uncle, in whom he was sure of finding one who would lend his ready aid in the accomplishment of his purpose.  Signor Latrezzi having employed every other means to prevent the proposed connection between Florinda and the American artist, gladly received the proposition made to him by Petro, and fully entering into the spirit of the latter, determined to resort to stratagem to accomplish his grand object.

It was accordingly agreed between Petro and his uncle that he, Petro, should be at the gate that night, as specified in Carlton’s note to Florinda, where he should meet her so disguised and muffled up as not to be recognized, and thus by artful management pass for Carlton; soon after their leaving the city, they were to stop at a small public house on the road, where a priest should meet them; and having received his instructions from Signor Latrezzi as to the particulars of the case, would understand how to play his part in the deceit, uniting them without question.

And thus it was agreed that Florinda should be made to marry Petro, thinking him to be Carlton.  To render all things sure, and that nothing should be overlooked as it regarded necessary precaution, the uncle was to go on and stop at the inn during the afternoon with the priest, and arrange everything properly for the proposed deception.

“It is the only means by which we can accomplish our purpose,” said Petro to his uncle, in justification of the plan they had adopted, and snatching at any idea that might screen him in some degree from his own conscience, relative to the dishonest measure they were engaged in.

“It is plain,” said Signor Latrezzi, “that this Signor Carlton-this American artist, has got the girl’s heart.”

“Irrevocably.”

The uncle started-the thought shooting across even his hardened and calloused heart-can this man design to marry Florinda, and yet believe, as he says, that she irrevocably loves another man?

“Ay,” he continued, with the purpose of justifying himself, as Petro had done, “she is so obstinate about it, too.”

“Yes, but this will most certainly render her perfectly tractable-no doubt,” said Petro-with a laugh, thus showing how much he really loved her who was destined to become his victim.

“There’s little heart in this business.”

“True.”

“And after all I like it not.”

“Nor I, but it must be.”

“It does seem necessary.”

“Unquestionably.”

“If I thought otherwise, I would not consent to it, Petro.”

“Nor would I engage in it,” said the nephew, with some degree of honesty.

“We shall be sure of the duke’s displeasure.”

“Yes, that we must count upon,”

“It will not, however be anything serious.”

“Probably not.”

The thought again striking Signor Latrezzi, he said: