THE STORE OF A PICTUIBE "I We shall see, Maria-we shall see ;" and drawing the small white hand through his arm, he led her back towards the house. The windows at the southern side opened upon a terrace commanding a view of the garden, and shaded by a light awning from the sun. Sitting at one of those open windows, Leonardo and Maria found Fran- cesca reading a letter, which she had evidently just received. "This is from my father, Leonardo," she said, handing it to him; he wishes us to dine with him to-day at a short invitation." Have you read this all through, Francesca ? He says that he wants to show me something extremely curious, and that, discarding fashion, we are to be with him as early as possible." What can it be ?" exclaimed Maria; I suppose some newly-purchased statue." "I scarcely think so, Maria," answered her brother. "I think," said Francesca, looking over the letter again, "that he would not send this invitation to Leonardo in such haste, merely to show him a new statue. However, we shall go, shall we not, Leonardo ?" It was agreed that they were to leave the villa early in the afternoon; for the house of Signor Vieri being situated at a considerable distance from Florence, the drive to it would take some time. Maria was all anxiety to know what could be so extremely curiou's" and so interesting to Leonardo, that Signor Vieri should send for them in such haste that he might see it. Oh, Francesca !" she exclaimed, when her brother had left the room, and they were alone together, how can you settle down so quietly to that embroidery ?"