He spent
nearly a day in examining the sheet with a lens but could discover
nothing. Being satisfied of the safety of the proceeding he
executed the forgery with the same care he had bestowed upon the
first, and showed it to his employer. The latter could scarcely
believe his eyes, and was very far from imagining that the two
originals were intact and carefully locked up in Meschini's room.
The prince took the document and studied its contents again during
many hours before he finally decided to return it to old
Saracinesca.
It was a moment of intense excitement. He hesitated whether he
should take the manuscripts back himself or send them by a
messenger. Had he been sure of controlling himself, he would have
gone in person, but he knew that if Saracinesca should chance to
look over the writing when they were together, it would be almost
impossible to conceal emotion under such a trial of nerve. What he
really hoped was that the prince would think no more of the
matter, and put away the parcel without examining the contents.
Montevarchi pondered long over the course he should pursue, his
eyes gleaming now and then with a wild triumph, and then growing
dull and glassy at the horrible thought of discovery. Then again
the consciousness that he was committing a great crime overcame
him, and he twisted his fingers nervously.
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