I have also to
take care of all the books, to see that they do not suffer in any
way. They are very valuable. There is a fortune here."
Somehow he felt less nervous when he began to speak of the library
and its contents and the words came more easily to him. With a
little encouragement he might even become loquacious. In spite of
his face, Faustina began to feel an interest in him.
"It must be very hard work," she remarked. "Do you like it? Did
you never want to do anything else? I should think you would grow
tired of being always alone."
"I am very patient," answered Meschini humbly. "And I am used to
it. I grew accustomed to the life when I was young."
"You say the collection is valuable. Are there any very beautiful
books? I would like to see some of them."
The fair young creature sat down upon one of the high carved
chairs at the end of a table. Meschini went to the other side of
the hall and unlocked one of the drawers which lined the lower
part of the bookcases to the height of three or four feet. Each
was heavily carved with the Montevarchi arms in high relief. It
was in these receptacles that the precious manuscripts were kept
in their cases. He returned bringing a small square volume of
bound manuscript, and laid it before Faustina.
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