"Flavia, I am amazed!" cried the princess, severely.
"I had not expected this conduct of my daughter," said Montevarchi. "And though I am at present obliged to overlook it, I can certainly not consider it pardonable. You will listen with becoming modesty and respect to what I have to say."
"I am all modesty, respect and attention—but I would like to know his name, papa—please consider that pardonable!"
"I do not know why I should not tell you that, and I shall certainly give you all such information concerning him as it is proper that you should receive. The fact that he is a widower need not surprise you, for in the inscrutable ways of Providence some men are deprived of their wives sooner than others. Nor should his age appear to you in the light of an obstacle—indeed there are no obstacles—-"
"A widower—old—probably bald—I can see him already. Is he fat, papa?"
"He approaches the gigantic; but as I have often told you, Flavia, the qualities a wise father should seek in choosing a husband for his child are not dependent upon outward—-"
"For heaven's sake, mamma," cried Flavia, "tell me the creature's name!"
"The Marchese di San Giacinto—let your father speak, and do not interrupt him."
"While you both insist on interrupting me," said Montevarchi, "it is impossible for me to express myself."
"I wish it were!" observed Flavia, under her breath. "You are speaking of the Saracinesca cousin, San Giacinto? Not so bad after all."