"Precisely. Only the namesake happens to be a cousin—the last of the San Giacinto, who keeps an inn in Aquila. I saw him, and shook hands with him."
"Impossible!" exclaimed Giovanni. "They are all extinct—"
"There has been a resurrection," returned the Prince. He told the whole story of his journey, graphically and quickly.
"That is a very extraordinary tale," remarked Giovanni, thoughtfully.
"So, if I die without children the innkeeper will be prince."
"Precisely. And now, Giovanni, you must be married next week."
"As soon as you please—to-morrow if you like."
"What shall we do with Del Ferice?" asked the old prince.
"Ask him to the wedding," answered Giovanni, magnanimously.
"The wedding will have to be a very quiet one, I suppose," remarked his father, thoughtfully. "The year is hardly over—"
"The more quiet the better, provided it is done quickly. Of course we must consult Corona at once."