Malipieri understood.

"You are an honorable man," he said. "I can no more tell you why I
wish to help Donna Sabina to her rights, if she has any, than I can
explain a great many things I have done in my life. When I see a dog
kicked, I always kick the man, if I can, and I do not remember to have
regretted any momentary unpleasantness that has followed in such
cases. I have only seen Donna Sabina once, but I mean to help her if
possible. Now tell me this. Has she any legal claim in the value of
the palace or not?"

"I am afraid not," Sassi answered.

"Do you know whether she was ever induced to sign any release of her
guardians?"

"She never did."

"That might be bad for them. That is all I wished to know. Thank you."

Malipieri rose to take his leave.

"If anything of importance happens, can you communicate with Donna
Sabina?" he asked.

"I can write to her," Sassi answered. "I suppose she would receive me
if I went to the house."

"That would be better."