All, that the strong expression of my own wishes
and feelings can do, shall be done when the proper time comes for
the doing of it. But you must not trust to that, or to me. You ought
to save me from being compelled to act at all in the matter. You are
free to speak. And now that another besides me is so vitally
concerned, I think you ought to do so without further delay."
"And I have fully made up my mind to do it, Signora Contessa. I have
told Paolina, this very day, that I purpose speaking very seriously
to my uncle on the subject on the day after to-morrow--the first day
in Lent. I thought I would let this Carnival time pass by first
without breaking in upon it, with business that cannot, I fear, be
otherwise than painful. I have promised Paolina, and am fully
determined to speak to my uncle on Wednesday,"
"And what do you purpose saying to him?" asked Violante, looking
into his face with quiet eyes.
"In the first instance I have no intention of speaking to him on the
subject of Paolina--"
"No!" interrupted the Contessa, changing her look to one of
surprise.
"Not to begin with, I think. To speak of my intention to make a
marriage, which I cannot hope will meet his approbation, would only
make my rejection of the alliance, which he hopes to see me form,
the more difficult."
"Yes, that seems true; but I doubt whether you are right there.
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