"'No; think not thus,' I urged, 'wealth and rank are two powerful aids
to happiness in this life. But at all events; my beloved Vitangela, you
now recognize more than ever the paramount necessity which induces you
to maintain inviolate your solemn vow of yesterday.'

"'I require no such inducement to compel me to keep that pledge,' she
answered. 'Think you that I would bring disgrace on the name, whether
humble or lofty, with which you have proposed to honor me? Oh!
no--never, never!"

"I embraced her fondly; and we proceeded to the dwelling of a priest, by
whom our hands were united in the oratory attached to his abode. At
daybreak we quitted Naples, and in due time we reached Florence, where
my bride was received with enthusiastic welcome by all the friends of
the Riverola family. My happiness appeared to have been established on a
solid foundation by this alliance; and the birth of Nisida in 1495--just
one year after the marriage--was a bond which seemed to unite our hearts
the more closely if possible. Indeed, I can safely assert that not a
harsh word ever passed between us, nor did aught occur to mar our
complete felicity for years after our union. In 1500, however, a
circumstance took place which proved to be the first link in the chain
of incidents destined to wield a dire influence over my happiness. It
was in the month of April of that year--oh! how indelibly is the
detested date fixed on my memory--the Duke Piero de Medici gave a grand
entertainment to all the aristocracy of Florence. The banquet was of the
most excellent description; and the gardens of the palace were
brilliantly illuminated. The days of Lorenzo the Magnificent seemed to
have been revived for a short period by his degenerate descendant. All
the beauty and rank of the republic were assembled at this festival; but
no lady was more admired for the chaste elegance of her attire, the
modest dignity of her deportment, and the loveliness of her person, than
Vitangela, Countess of Riverola. After the banquet the company proceeded
to the gardens, where bands of music were stationed, and while some
indulged in the exhilarating dance, others sauntered through the
brilliantly lighted avenues. I need not inform you that no husband,
unless he were anxious to draw down upon himself the ridicule which
attaches itself to extreme uxoriousness, would remain linked to his
wife's side all the evening at such an entertainment as the one of which
I am speaking