In five minutes his father returned, bringing in his hand an old red morocco case.
"Give it to her with my compliments, my boy," he said.

"They are some of your mother's diamonds--just a few of them.

She shall have the rest on the wedding-day." "Thank you," said Giovanni, and pressed his father's hand.
"And give her my love, and say I will call to-morrow at two o'clock," added the Prince, now perfectly serene.
With the diamonds under his arm, Giovanni went out.

The sky was clear and frosty, and the stars shone brightly, high up between the tall houses of the narrow street.

Giovanni had not ordered a carriage, and seeing how fine the night was, he decided to walk to his destination.