The farewell and eccentric gifts of the dead host to his guests were yet remaining on the table where they had been put. Her eyes rested on them in curiosity.
‘What are these?’ she demanded again.
Martialis explained their presence, and, being particularly interested, she was not satisfied until she had learnt to whom each article had been appropriated.
‘And that he gave to you?’ said she, pointing to the bronze casket.
‘He did,’ replied Martialis.
‘Know you what it contains?’
‘I can only guess.’
‘Well?’
‘With his last breath he bequeathed to me all that remains of his effects. The box, doubtless, contains the documents relating thereto,’ said the young man, in a voice trembling with emotion.
‘Doubtless—you were his nearest friend and companion,’ remarked the lady; ‘of me, his sister, doubtless, he said nothing. What little there was in common between us was not much tempered with love and good-humour.’