"That, Signor Fortini, is my affair. As I told you, I have
considered the matter well; and I have made up my mind."
"May I ask, Signor Marchese, whether your intention has been
communicated to your nephew?" asked the lawyer.
"As yet I have announced it to no one save yourself. As soon as the
necessary arrangements with regard to matters of property have been
determined on, it will be the fitting time to do so."
"Before any word can be said on that head, of course, it is
necessary that your lordship should mention, what you have not yet
confided to me,--the name of the lady with whom you are about to
ally yourself."
"Of course; and it is for the purpose of doing so that I have
requested your presence here this morning, Signor Fortini. Before
naming the lady, I will merely remark to you, that a man at my time
of life may be expected to know his own mind, and has a right to
please himself. And bearing these remarks in mind, you will
understand that I do not wish to hear any observations on the
subject of the choice I have made. My choice is made; and that is
sufficient."
The Marchese looked up into the lawyer's face, and paused for some
reply to these preliminary observations before proceeding to tell
his secret; but the lawyer maintained a look and attitude of silent
expectation.
"It is my intention," proceeded the Marchese, "to marry the Signora
Bianca Lalli;--the lady whose conduct, as well as her talent, has
won the good opinion of the entire city.
Pages:
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87