Florence soon forgot one whom she had been proud to know and honor.
Two months afterward, as Miss Charteris sat alone in her favorite nook--the bower of trees where poor Dora's tragedy had been enacted--she was found by the Prince di Borgezi.

Every one had said that sooner or later it would come to this.

Prince di Borgezi, the most fastidious of men, who had admired many women but loved none, whose verdict was the rule of fashion, loved Valentine Charteris.

Her fair English face, with its calm, grand beauty, her graceful dignity, her noble mind and pure soul had captivated him.

For many long weeks he hovered round Valentine, longing yet dreading to speak the words which would unite or part them for life.
Lately there had been rumors that Lady Charteris and her daughter intended to leave Florence; then Prince di Borgezi decided upon knowing his fate.