Joseph Ribas answered Stephano's reverential bow with a haughty nod.
"Go," said he, "take off the seals in the quickest possible time, and
then away with you!"
But as Stephano was about retiring with his people, Joseph Ribas
beckoned him back again.
"You have, therefore, recognized this deed of gift?" asked he, and as
Stephano assented, he continued: "You therefore cannot deny that my
master is the undisputed possessor of this villa, and can do with it
according to his pleasure?"
"I do not deny it at all!" growled Stephano.
Joseph Ribas then drew forth another paper, which he also handed
Stephano. "You will also recognize this deed of gift to be regular and
legal! It is likewise undersigned and authenticated by our ambassador."
Stephano, having attentively read it, almost indignantly said: "It is all right. But the count is crazy, to give away so fine a
property!"
And still grumbling, he departed with his people.
Clinging to Marianne's side, Natalie had observed the whole proceeding
with silent wonder; and, with the astonishment of innocence and
inexperience, she comprehended nothing of the whole scene, nor was a
suspicion awakened in her childishly pure soul.
"He is, then, really going?" she asked, as Stephano was slowly moving
off.
"Yes, he is going," said Joseph Ribas, "and will never venture to
disturb you again. Henceforth you will be in undisputed possession of
your property. My lord has made this villa and garden forever yours by a
regular legal deed of gift."
"And who is your lord?" asked Natalie. "Tell me his name--tell me where
I may find him, that I may return him my thanks?"
"Yes, conduct us to him," said the weeping Marianne. "Let me clasp his
feet and implore his further protection for my poor helpless princess."
"My lord desires no thanks," proudly responded Ribas. "He does good for
his own sake, and protects innocence because that is the duty of every
knight and nobleman."
"At least tell me his name, that I may pray for him," sobbed Marianne.
"Yes, his name," said Natalie, with a charming smile. "Ah, how I shall
love that name!"
"His name is his own secret," said Ribas. "The world, indeed, knows and
blesses him, calling him the bravest of the brave. But it is his command
that you shall never be informed of it. He desires nothing, no thanks,
no acknowledgments--he wishes only to secure your peace and happiness,
and thus redeem the solemn vow he made to his friend, Count Paulo
Rasczinsky, to guard and preserve you as a father, and to watch over you
as your tutelar genius!"
"Thanks, thanks, my God!" cried Marianne, with her arms raised toward
heaven. "Thou sendest us help in our need, Thou hast mercy on suffering
innocence, and sendest her a saviour in her greatest distress!"