had not forgotten in his calculations the pride which old
Saracinesca must naturally feel in his race, and which would
probably induce him to take very great pains in finding a suitable
wife for San Giacinto rather than permit the latter to contract a
discreditable alliance.

San Giacinto left the house at half-past nine o'clock, under the
pretext of another engagement, for he did not mean to weary his
relations with too much of his company in the first instance. When
he was gone the three looked at each other in silence for some
moments.

"He has surprisingly good manners, for an innkeeper," said Corona
at last. "No one will ever suspect his former life. But I do not
like him."

"Nor I," said the prince.

"He wants something," said Sant' Ilario. "And he will probably get
it," he added, after a short pause. "He has a determined face."




CHAPTER IV.


Anastase Gouache recovered rapidly from his injuries, but not so
quickly as he wished. There was trouble in the air, and many of
his comrades were already gone to the frontier where the