"It is understood," he continued, after a pause, "that we or our notaries shall appear with the money in cash, and that it shall be immediately invested as we shall jointly decide, the settlements being made at the same time and on the spot."
"Precisely so," replied San Giacinto. "No money, no contract."
"In that case I will inform my daughter of my decision."
"I shall be glad to avail myself of an early opportunity to pay my respects to Donna Flavia."
"The wedding might take place on the 30th of November, my dear Marchese. The 1st of December is Advent Sunday, and no marriages are permitted during Advent without a special licence."
"An expensive affair, doubtless," remarked San Giacinto, gravely, in spite of his desire to laugh.
"Yes. Five scudi at least," answered Montevarchi, impressively. "Let us by all means be economical."
"The Holy Church is very strict about these matters, and you may as well keep the money."
"I will," replied San Giacinto, rising to go. "Do not let me detain you any longer. Pray accept my warmest thanks, and allow me to say that I shall consider it a very great honour to become your son-in-law."
"Ah, indeed, you are very good, my dear Marchese. As for me I need consolation. Consider a father's feelings, when he consigns his beloved daughter—Flavia is an angel upon earth, my friend—when, I say, a father gives his dear child, whom he loves as the apple of his eye, to be carried off by a man—a man even of your worth! When your children are grown up, you will understand what I suffer."