I wanted to see the signatures, and the book of civil marriages was shown to me.

The handwriting was Giovanni's, I am sure--larger, and a little less firm, but distinguishable at a glance.

I took the copies for curiosity, and never said anything about it, but I have kept them.

That is the history.

Do you see how serious a matter it is ?" "Indeed, yes," answered Donna Tullia, who had listened with intense interest to the story.