'There may be others of the name,' he said, as he concluded his story.
His mother looked at him keenly. Half an hour later he was alone with her in her own sitting-room.
'Why did you say that there might be others of the name?' she asked gravely. 'Why did you wish to imply that the unfortunate man may not have been the brother of Don Tebaldo and Donna Vittoria?'
Orsino was silent for a moment. There was reproach in Corona's tone, for she herself had not the slightest doubt in the matter. He came and stood before her, for he was a truthful man.
'It seemed to me,' he said, 'that I might let him have the benefit of any doubt there may be, though I have none myself. The story will be a terrible injury to the family.'
'You are certainly not called upon to tell it to everyone,' said Corona. 'I only wished to know what you really thought.'
'I am sorry to say that I feel sure of the man's identity, mother. And I want you to help me,' he added suddenly. 'I wish to see Donna Vittoria alone. You can manage it.'
Corona did not answer at once, but looked long and earnestly at her eldest son.
'What is it, mother?' he asked, at last.