Besides, who assures us that
he is really what he represents himself to be? What proves that he
is really the descendant of that same Leone?"
"For that matter," answered Giovanni, "he will have to produce
very positive proofs, valid in law, to show that he is really the
man. I will give up everything to the lawful heir, but I will
certainly not turn beggar to please an adventurer. But I say that,
if San Giacinto represents the elder branch of our house, we have
no right here. If I were sure of it I would not sleep another
night under this roof."
The old man could not withhold his admiration. There was something
supremely noble and generous about Giovanni's readiness to
sacrifice everything for justice which made his old heart beat
with a strange pride. If he was reluctant to renounce his rights
it was after all more on Giovanni's account, and for the sake of
Corona and little Orsino. He himself was an old man and had lived
most of his life out already.
"You have your mother's heart, Giovannino," he said simply, but
there was a slight moisture in his eyes, which few emotions had
ever had the power to bring there.
"It is not a question of heart," replied Giovanni. "We cannot keep
what does not belong to us."
"We will let the law decide what we can keep.
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