Then, when I
knew the whole truth the time was so near that I preferred to give
you the information as a sort of wedding present."
"A magnificent one indeed, for which I cannot find words to
express my gratitude."
"No, no! Do not talk of gratitude. I feel that I am fulfilling a
sacred duty in restoring to the fatherless his birthright. It is
an act of divine justice for the execution of which I have been
chosen as the humble instrument. Do your duty by my dear daughter,
and render your gratitude to heaven--quoe sunt Coesaris, Coesari,
et quoe sunt Dei, Deo! Would that we could all live by that rule!"
"To Saracinesca what is his, and to San Giacinto that which
belongs to him--that is what you mean?"
"Yes, my good son. I am glad to see that you understand Latin. It
does you credit that amidst the misfortunes of your early life you
should have so improved yourself as to possess the education
necessary to the high rank you are about to assume. I tell you
frankly that, in spite of your personal qualities, in spite of the
great name and possessions which will soon be yours, if I had not
distinguished in you that refinement and instruction without which
no gentleman is worthy of the name, I would not have bestowed upon
you the hand of that sweet creature whom I have cherished as a
flower in the house of my old age.
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