set to work to form a hut with
the planks, cordage, and canvas of the wreck. It will be remembered that
Nisida had saved the carpenter's tools, and thus the task became a
comparatively easy one.

By the time the sun went down a tenement was formed, rude, it is true,
but still perfect enough to harbor them in a clime where the nights were
warm and where the dews prevailed only in the verdant parts of the isle.
Then with what joyous feelings did Nisida deck the walls of the hut with
a tapestry of flowers and prepare the bridal couch with materials which
she had saved from the wreck.

Softly and sweetly shone the moon that night; and, as its silver rays
penetrated through the crevices of the little cottage so hastily and so
rudely formed, they played kissingly upon the countenances of the happy
pair who had wedded each other in the sight of Heaven.

CHAPTER XLIV.

ALESSANDRO FRANCATELLI.

In order that the reader should fully understand the stirring incidents
which yet remain to be told, it is necessary for us to explain certain
particulars connected with Alessandro Francatelli, the brother of the
beautiful Flora. It will be recollected that this young man accompanied
the Florentine envoy to Constantinople, in the honorable capacity of
secretary, some few years previous to the commencement of our tale.

Alessandro was strikingly handsome, tall, well-formed, and of great
physical strength. His manners were pleasing, his conversation agreeable
to a degree. Indeed, he had profited so well by the lessons of the
excellent-hearted Father Marco, that his mind was well stored with
intellectual wealth. He was, moreover, a finished musician, and played
the violin, at that period a rare accomplishment, to perfection. In
addition to all these qualifications, he was a skillful versifier, and
composed the most beautiful extemporaneous poetry, apparently without an
effort. But his disposition was by no means light or devoted to pursuits
which worldly-minded persons would consider frivolous. For he himself
was worldly-minded, keen, shrewd, far-seeing, and ambitious. He deplored
the ruin which had overtaken his family, and longed ardently to rebuild
its fortunes, adding thereto the laurels of glory and the honors of
rank.

The situation which he enjoyed in the establishment of the Florentine
envoy appeared to him the stepping-stone to the attainment of these
objects, but the embassy had not been long settled at Constantino