I affected indifference while asking Signor Polizzi the price of the
manuscript; and, while awaiting his reply, I offered up a secret
prayer that the price might not exceed the amount of ready money
at my disposal--already much diminished by the cost of my expensive
voyage. Signor Polizzi, however, informed me that he was not at
liberty to dispose of the article, inasmuch as it did not belong
to him, and was to be sold at auction shortly, at the Hotel des
Ventes, with a number of other MSS. and several incunabula.

This was a severe blow to me. It tried to preserve my calmness,
notwithstanding, and replied somewhat to this effect:

"You surprise me, Monsieur! Your father, whom I talked with recently
at Girgenti, told me positively that the manuscript was yours. You
cannot now attempt to make me discredit your father's word."

"I DID own the manuscript, indeed," answered Signor Rafael with
absolute frankness; "but I do not own it any longer. I sold that
manuscript--the remarkable interest of which you have not failed
to perceive--to an amateur whom I am forbidden to name, and who,
for reasons which I am not at liberty to mention, finds himself
obliged to sell his collection. I am honoured with the confidence
of my customer, and was commissioned by him to draw up the catalogue
and manage the sale, which takes place the 24th of December. Now,
if you will be kind enough to give me your address, I shall have
the pleasure of sending you the catalogue, which is already in
the press. you fill find the 'Legende Doree' described in it as
'No. 42.'"