There was no dash of genius about them; but they were careful studies.

Some few were sold, and the price realized proved no unwelcome addition to a small income.
Ronald became known in Florence.

People who had not thought much of Mr.Earle were eager to know the clever artist and his pretty, shy wife.

Then the trial of Ronald Earle began in earnest.

Had he lived always away from the world, out of society, the chances are that his fate would have been different; but invitations began to pour in upon him and Dora, and Ronald, half tired of his solitude, although he never suspected it, accepted them eagerly.
Dora did not like the change; she felt lonely and lost where Ronald was so popular and so much at home.
Among those who eagerly sought Ronald's society was the pretty coquette, the Countess Rosali, an English lady who had married the Count Rosali, a Florentine noble of great wealth.
No one in Florence was half so popular as the fair countess.