DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

OO (Cae) a reformed character. He had apparently foresworn his evil habits, benefiting vastly by the change. The admiration excited by the wit and beauty of the Princess flattered his vanity and gave society additional charms for him. He proved himself, in these early days of their union, a model of devotion, though inordinately jealous. This salutary reformation was short-lived. His jealousy grew daily more excessive, and satiated with the delights of society, he again turned to the bottle for a stimulant for his jaded appetites. The old demon took entire possession of him, and in less than two years after his marriage he was more the victim of intoxication than ever. Florence had long been a favourite resort with the Prince, and he shortly took up his abode there permanently. At first, as far as hospitalities were concerned, the Prince and Princess had nothing to complain of, but owing to their pretensions they were soon left to themselves. In the theatre the Prince had always found relaxation, and now a night rarely passed that he was not to be seen in his box ; but an opera or a play were insufficient for his amusement, unless their performance was accom- panied by copious libations of his favourite Cyprus wine. Not unfrequently under the gaze of the audience he passed through the different phases of intoxication, until, finally stupefied and reeling from