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Giovanni saw the box on the table, but did not understand, as he had never seen it before. His father again took the key from his neck and opened the casket. "This is Paolo Godi's manuscript," he said, without changing his tone. "You see, here is the book. The seal is unbroken. It is exactly as I left it when Zorzi and I buried it together.
He had borne what seemed to him very great misfortunes with fortitude and dignity; but his greatest treasures were safe, his daughter and Paolo Godi's manuscript, and he became furiously angry with Marietta, because she had him in her power.
Giovanni smiled thoughtfully, for he saw how his father was moved, and he knew that the strongest part of his story was yet untold. "It would have been better to leave Paolo Godi's manuscript with me," he said, in a tone of sympathy. "I grew anxious for its safety as soon as I knew that Zorzi had charge of it. Yesterday morning I came in again.
"I mean you to marry Contarini," he cried out, with a stamp of the foot. "And you mean never to see Paolo Godi's manuscript again," suggested Marietta quietly. "Perdition take the accursed thing!" roared the old man. "If I only knew where you have put it " "It is where you can never, never find it," Marietta answered. "So it is of no use to be angry with me, is it?
But apart from Paolo Godi's secrets, which my father has left sealed in my care " At this astounding falsehood Zorzi started and looked at Giovanni in unfeigned surprise. " but which nothing would induce me to examine," continued Giovanni with perfect coolness, "there must be many others of my father's own, which you have learned by watching him. I respect you for your discretion.
A mason would soon find the one you moved by trying them all with his hammer." "Yes," said Zorzi. "If this were a room in your own glass-house, you could do that. But it is not." "I am in charge of all that belongs to my father, during his absence," answered Giovanni. "Yes," said Zorzi again. "Including Paolo Godi's manuscript, as you told me," he added.
If he can have me taken off by force, he will come here alone and search the place. If he searches long enough, he may find what he wants." "Is Paolo Godi's manuscript in this room?" asked Marietta quietly. Zorzi stared at her in surprise. "How did you know that your father left it with me?" he asked. "He would not have entrusted it to any one else. That is natural. My brother wants it.
A mere jest! If I had known that you would take it so literally " he stopped short. "Pray excuse me, sir. It is the first time I have ever heard you say anything playful." "Indeed! The fact is, my dear Zorzi, I never knew you well enough to jest with you, till to-day. Paolo Godi's secrets in my keeping? I wish they were! Oh, not that anything would induce me to break the seals. I told you that.
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