Nina, from the violence and decision displayed by her father, felt hopeless of any change, and sought an early opportunity to steal away from the castle and meet Pierre, notwithstanding the positive commands that had been issued on the subject.

The young man, in the thoughtless enthusiasm of youth, urged their flight.
"I am master of my art," he said, with a proud air.

"We can live in Florence, where I have many friends." The youth did not find it hard to bring the confiding, artless girl into his wishes.

In less than a month the baron missed his child.

A letter explained all.