Montevarchi hastily looked over the small document, and his face flushed slowly till it was almost purple, while the paper quivered in his hold.  It was clear that everything had succeeded as he had hoped, and that his most sanguine expectations were fully realised.  His thoughts suddenly recurred to Gouache, and he laughed again at the young man’s assurance.

“Was Saracinesca in the court?” he asked presently

“No.  There was no one connected with the case except the lawyers on each side.  It did not amount to a trial.  The Signor Marchese’s side produced the papers proving his identity, and the original deed was submitted.  The prince’s side stated that his Excellency was convinced of the justice of the claim and would make no opposition.  Thereupon the court granted an order to the effect that the Signor Marchese was the heir provided for in the clause and was entitled to enjoy all the advantages arising from the inheritance; but that, as there was no opposition made by the defendants, the subsequent transactions would be left in the hands of the family, the court reserving the power to enforce the transfer in case any difficulty should arise hereafter.  Of course, it will take several months to make the division, as the Signor Marchese will only receive the direct inheritance of his great-grandfather, while the Saracinesca retain all that has come to them by their marriages during the last four generations.”

“Of course.  Who will be employed to make the division?”

“Half Rome, I fancy.  It will be an endless business.”

“But San Giacinto is prince.  He will do homage for his titles next Epiphany.”

“Yes.  He must present his ten pounds of wax and a silver bowl—­ cheap!” observed Meschini with a grin.

It may be explained here that the families of the Roman nobility were all subject to a yearly tribute of merely nominal value, which they presented to the Pope at the Feast of the Epiphany.  The custom was feudal, the Pope having been the feudal lord of all the nobles until 1870.  The tribute generally consisted of a certain weight of pure wax, or of a piece of silver of a specified value, or sometimes of both.  As an instance of the survival of such customs in other countries, I may mention the case of one great Irish family which to this day receives from another a yearly tribute, paid alternately in the shape of a golden rose and a golden spur.

“So we have won everything!” exclaimed Montevarchi after a pause, looking hard at the librarian, as though trying to read his thoughts.  “We have won everything, and the thanks are due to you, my good friend, to you, the faithful and devoted companion who has helped me to accomplish this act of true justice.  Ah, how can I ever express to you my gratitude!”

“The means of expression were mentioned in our agreement,” answered Meschini with a servile inclination.  “I agreed to do the work for your Excellency at a certain fixed price, as your Excellency may remember.  Beyond that I ask nothing.  I am too humble an individual to enjoy the honour of Prince Montevarchi’s personal gratitude.”