Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/166

Rh "None. But," said Francesca, hesitatingly, "will not Lord Avonleigh need some warrant for the truth of this history?"

"You have all necessary proofs in your possession, though you may not be aware of their existence," replied Arden; "will you allow me to open yonder box?"

"There is nothing in that," said Guido, "but a genealogy of the Carraras, drawn up by my grandfather. We have kept this little ebony coffer for the sake of its curious carving. The marriage of Cana is beautifully wrought on its lid."

"I know the box well—it was once mine. I gave it Beatrice on the day of her fête. How little then did I dream to what purpose it would be applied! You are not aware that here are hidden drawers."

He raised the cover, and, pressing one of the figures, a lid flew up, and discovered a secret place, whose existence they had never suspected. There lay a picture, a small packet of letters, and a little roll of papers.

"These," continued Arden, "Are the certificate of the marriage, and the register of your birth. Though deeming them useless, Beatrice, poor Beatrice, always carefully treasured them; and this is the likeness of your father."