"I see," Cecilia answered.
"Yes, of course you do. But when he does ask you, what shall you say, dear? He is sure to ask you to-morrow, and I really want to know what I am to expect. Surely, by this time you must have made up your mind."
"I have only known him a fortnight, mother. That is not a long time when one is to decide about one's whole life, is it?"
"No. Well—it seems to me that a fortnight—you see, it is so important!"
"Precisely," Cecilia answered. "It is very important. That is why I do not mean to do anything in a hurry. Either you must tell Signor d'Este to wait a little while before he asks me, or else, when he does, I must beg him to wait some time for his answer."
"But it seems to me, if you like him so much, that is quite enough."
"Why are you in such a hurry, mother?" asked Cecilia, with a smile.
"Because I am sure you will be perfectly happy if you marry him," answered the Countess, with much conviction.