He is engaged to be married.
When the engagement became known, an enemy of the family attempted to prove, by means of these papers, that he was married already to a certain Felice Baldi.

Now I wish to know who this Giovanni Saracinesca is, where he is, and how he comes to have my son's name.

I wish a certificate or some proof that he is not my son,--that he is alive, or that he is dead and buried." The old priest burst into a genial laugh, and rubbed his hands together in delight.
"My dear sir--your Excellency, I mean--I baptised Felice Baldi's second baby a fortnight ago! There is nothing simpler--" "I knew it!" cried the Prince, springing from his chair in great excitement; "I knew it! Where is that baby?
Send and get the baby at once--the mother--the father--everybody!" "_Subito!_ At once--or come with me.

I will show you the whole family together," said the curate, in innocent delight.

"Splendid children they are, too.