taking his place in the world, and it was certainly far wiser to
receive him cordially at once, than to draw back from
acknowledging the relationship because he had been brought up in
another sphere.

This was the substance of what Prince Saracinesca communicated to
his daughter-in-law a few minutes later. She listened patiently to
all he had to say, only asking a question now and then in order to
understand more clearly what had happened. She was curious to see
the man whose name had once been so strangely confounded with her
husband's by the machinations of the Conte Del Ferice and Donna
Tullia Mayer, and she frankly confessed her curiosity and her
satisfaction at the prospect of meeting San Giacinto that evening.
While she was talking with the prince, Giovanni unexpectedly
returned from his walk. He had turned homewards as soon as he had
sent the military surgeon to Gouache. "Well, Giovannino," cried
the old gentleman, "the prodigal innkeeper has returned to the
bosom of the family."

"What innkeeper?"

"Your worthy namesake, and cousin, Giovanni Saracinesca, formerly
of Aquila."

"Does Madame Mayer want to prove that it is he who has married
Corona?" inquired Sant 'Ilario with a laugh.

"No, though I suppose he is a candidate for marriage. I never was
more surprised in my life. His wife is dead. He is rich, or says
he is. He has his card printed in full, 'Giovanni Saracinesca,