“I am very glad to see you after so many years,” said Mrs. Force, as Roland drew forward a chair for the visitor.
“I wish with all my heart and soul that our meeting had been earlier! It would then have saved much misunderstanding and suffering,” said Gen. Anglesea, with a deep sigh, as he took his seat by her side.
“The past is past,” said the lady.
“Every one in this world has something to bear. All things considered, we have had but a small share of the universal burden,” cheerfully remarked Abel Force.
“I have brought some very important documents here to place in your hands,” said Anglesea, beginning to sort a parcel of papers that he held.
“You have taken much trouble to bring me these documents. How can I thank you sufficiently?” murmured the lady.
“But I need no thanks for doing my duty! This is the will of the late Antonio Saviola, by which he leaves all his possessions to his grandnephew, Rolando Saviola,” said the general, laying the largest document on the small stand in front of the lady’s chair.
She bowed, and took it up.
“This is the certificate of your marriage with Luigi Saviola, and this a certificate of the baptism of your son. These documents were necessary to establish your son’s right to the inheritance of the Saviola estates,” he continued, placing two other papers on the table.
These also the lady took up, with a bow of thanks.