I must warn you, however, that such a will might not prove valid in law, since His Excellency did not even legally acknowledge you as his child.

So far, no trace of a will has been found with his late Excellency's notary, nor with his lawyer, nor deposited with his securities at his banker's.

It is barely possible that some paper may exist in the rooms which are still closed, but I think it my duty to tell you that I do not expect to find anything of the kind when we break the seals to-morrow, in the presence of the heirs and witnesses.' He ceased speaking and looked at the Princess as if asking whether he should say more, for Angela had bent her head and quietly covered her eyes with one hand, and in this attitude she sat quite motionless in her place.

The lawyer thought she was going to burst into tears, for he did not know her.
'That will do, Calvi,' said the Princess calmly.

'You have made it all very clear, and you may retire for the present.