Here was an uncle and nephew plotting a young girl’s misery-coolly and understandingly consigning her to a lot, which, of all others, is most to be dreaded by a female heart.  She little suspected their treachery-and where should she not have first looked for deceit, rather than among those who should have proved her protectors?  Florinda had ever loved her uncle and, until she had learned some of the evil traits of his character, had respected him, too.  But as she grew older and more observant, these things forced themselves upon her attention, and she was obliged to concede their truth to her own heart, though she never made mention of the matter to another.  Of Petro-she had never loved him; and while they were yet children and playmates together, they could never agree.

The deep, dark passions that Petro inherited from his father, often broke out on the most trivial provocation, to the terror of Florinda, until she more feared than loved him.  As both had grown older, Petro acquired more command over his evil passions, and Florinda had learned to look upon him with indifference; and yet she felt his absence for so long a time at Bologna to be a relief from an unpleasant restraint she felt in his or her uncle’s presence.  Signor Latrezzi discovered this growing dislike of his niece for himself; and this was another argument with himself why he should resort to the proposed stratagem to accomplish an end which otherwise appeared to be receding farther and farther from his grasp every hour.

His earnestness in the matter showed fully that he had some private purpose in view, and this Petro suspected, and he at length ascertained his desire to cover up some pecuniary fraud he had committed upon her estate.  But he was willing to let that remain in obscurity, provided he could get the management of the rest, which was indeed an immense estate in value.

Such were the uncle and nephew to her.  But as they stood now together-that is, the uncle and nephew-the most casual observer would have noticed that the business they were engaged in but illy suited them.  They were by no means so heartless or mercenary as not to feel strong compunctions.

“Petro,” said the uncle, “if you marry Florinda, remember you must respect and cherish her afterwards.”

“Of course, I shall.  You need not lay any injunctions upon that score, my good uncle.”

“Ay, ’twill be poor enough reparation for the loss of her freedom,” mused the uncle.

“Don’t moralize,” said Petro.  “We are in for the game, and must play it out, come what may.”

“That is true.”

Saying which, the two silently saluted each other, and then separated.

CHAPTER XIII.

The roadside inn.

You shall see anon; ’tis a knavish piece of work.

-Hamlet.