He had always been attached to Leo, his nephew, and in his will Leo was
made his sole heir. Great was Leo's surprise to learn that he was now not
only the owner of a fine palace southeast of Rome, but of large
possessions in Rome, Sicily, and South America.
Leo leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed, his face changed color
and the muscles of his hands and face twitched as if he were in pain.
Suddenly he recovered possession of himself and said, "Ferdinand, you
almost paralyze me by the news you bring. Am I dreaming, or not?"
"No, no, Leo. This is a copy of the will of our uncle. The original will
is in my safe. By this same will I am to have 100,000 lira for assisting
you. I am now at your service."
"Ferdinand, you bring sad and glorious news. What is your advice?"
"That we file the original will at once in the proper court, and that you
proceed with me immediately to Marino to take possession there of your
palace and property."
"Agreed, Ferdinand. We will leave Rome for Marino at noon tomorrow.
Meet me here, as I may have friends to join us."
Leo hastened at once to tell the good news to the Harrises, who were
nearly as much elated as himself, and it was agreed that all would join
Leo in his proposed trip.
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