It has been already seen that
Montevarchi purposely prevented San Giacinto from seeing the
papers in order that he might be in reality quite innocent of any
complicity in the matter when the proceedings were instituted, a
point very important for the success of the suit.
Half an hour afterwards San Giacinto was closeted with the old
prince in the latter's study, which looked more than usually
dismal by contrast with the brilliant assemblage in the drawing-
rooms.
"Now that we are alone, my dear son," began Montevarchi, who for a
wonder had not changed his coat since the ceremony, "now that you
are really my son, I have an important communication to make"
San Giacinto sat down and any one might have seen from the
expression of his square jaw and determined mouth that he was
prepared for battle. He did not trust his father-in-law in the
least, and would not have been surprised if he had made an attempt
to get back the money he had paid into the lawyer's hands as
Flavia's dowry. But San Giacinto had taken all precautions and
knew very well that he could not be cheated. Montevarchi continued
in a bland voice.
"I have kept the matter as a surprise for you," he said. "You have
of course been very busy during these last weeks in making your
preparations for the solemn ceremony at which we have just
assisted.
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