The Prince was considerably astonished, but he held his papers firmly in his hand, and did not move from his seat.

The curate returned in a few seconds, bringing with him a little painted porcelain basket, much chipped and the worse for age, and which contained a collection of visiting-cards.

There were not more than a score of them, turning brown with accumulated dust.

The priest found one which was rather newer than the rest, and after carefully adjusting a pair of huge spectacles upon his nose, he went over to the lamp and examined it.
"'Il Conte del Ferice,'" he read slowly.

"Do you happen to know that gentleman, my good sir ?" he inquired, turning to the Prince, and looking keenly at him over his glasses.
"Certainly," answered Saracinesca, beginning to understand the situation.
"I know him very well." "Ah, that is good!" said the priest.