Don Paolo did not know whether to laugh or to look grave at this exposition of Gianbattista's views of death and matrimony. He put it down to the boy's excitement.
"There is another reason, Tista. The law does not allow a girl of seventeen to be married without her father's consent."
"The law again!" exclaimed Gianbattista in disgust. "I thought the law protected Lucia from her father. You said so last night, and you repeated it this morning."
"Certainly, my boy. But the law also protects parents against any rashness their children may meditate. It would be no marriage if Lucia had not Marzio's consent."
"I wish there were no laws," grumbled the young man. "How do you come to know so much about marriage, Don Paolo?"
"It is my profession. Come along; we will talk to Marzio."
"What can we say to him? You do not suppose I will go and beg to be taken back?"
"You must be forgiving—"
"I believe in forgiveness when the other side begins," said Gianbattista.
"Perhaps Marzio will forgive too," argued the priest.