her manner, in part by
the words themselves. It is often difficult for men in his station
to believe that they are not known and recognized; and so he stood
wondering at her, and thinking who she could be that did not know him to
be the Prince. "You mistake me," said he, gently, and with that dignity
which is the birthright of those born to command. "I am but a very
indifferent artist. I have studied a little, it is true; but other
pursuits and idleness have swept away the small knowledge I once
possessed, and left me, as to art, pretty much as I am in morals,--that
is, I know what is right, but very often I can't accomplish it."

"You are from Carrara, I conclude?" said the young girl, timidly, still
curious to hear more about him.

"Pardon me," said he, smiling; "I am a native of Massa, and live here."

"And are you not a sculptor by profession?" asked she, still more
eagerly.

"No," said he, laughing pleasantly; "I follow a more precarious trade,
nor can I mould the clay I work in so deftly."

"At least you love art," said she, with an enthusiasm heightened by the
changes he had effected in her group.

"Now it is my turn to question, Signorina," said he, gayly. "Why, with
a talent like yours, have you not given yourself to regular study? You
live in a land where instruction should not be difficult to obtain.
Carrara is one vast studio; there must be many there who would not alone
be willing, but even proud, to have such a pupil. Have you never thought
of this?"

"I have thought of it," said she, pensively, "but my aunt, with whom
I live, desires to see no one, to know no one;--even now," added she,
blushing deeply, "I find myself conversing with an utter stranger, in
a way--" She stopped, overwhelmed with confusion, and he finished her
sentence for her.

"In a way which shows how naturally a love of art establishes a
confidence between those who profess it." As he spoke, the curtain was
drawn back, and a lady entered, who, though several years older, bore
such a likeness to the young girl that she might readily have been taken
for her sister.

"It is at length time I should make my excuses for this intrusion,
madame," said he, turning towards her; and then in a few words explained
how the accidental passing by the spot, and the temptation of the open
wicket, had led him to a trespass, "which," added he, smiling, "I can
only say I shall be charmed if you will condescend to retaliate. I,
too, have some obje