Having always supposed the collateral branch of
his family to be extinct, it was only natural that he should have
bestowed very little thought upon the ancient deeds which he
believed to have been drawn up in due form and made perfectly
legal.
When he came home towards evening, he found the sealed packet upon
his table, and having opened it, was about to return the papers to
their place in the archives. It chanced that he had a letter to
write, however, and he pushed the documents aside before taking
them to the library. While he was writing, Giovanni entered the
room.
As has been seen, the prince had been very angry with his son for
having allowed himself to doubt Corona, and though several days
had elapsed since the matter had been explained, the old man's
wrath had not wholly subsided. He still felt considerable
resentment against Giovanni, and his intercourse with the latter
had not yet regained its former cordiality. As Sant' Ilario
entered the room, Saracinesca looked up with an expression which
showed clearly that the interruption was unwelcome.
"Do I disturb you?" asked Giovanni, noticing the look.
"Do you want anything?"
"No--nothing especial."
Saracinesca's eye fell upon the pile of manuscripts that lay on
the table.
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