"Do you suppose I am going to fix the wedding-day without consulting her?" asked the old man. "For heaven's sake order dinner, and let us be quick about it."
The Prince was evidently in a hurry, and moreover, he was tired and very hungry. An hour later, as both the men sat over the coffee in the dining-room, his mood was mellower. A dinner at home has a wonderful effect upon the temper of a man who has travelled and fared badly for eight-and-forty hours.
"Giovannino," said old Saracinesca, "have you any idea what the Cardinal thinks of your marriage?"
"No; and I do not care," answered the younger man. "He once advised me not to marry Donna Tullia. He has not seen me often since then."
"I have an idea that it will please him immensely," said the Prince.
"It would be very much the same if it displeased him."
"Very much the same. Have you seen Corona to-day?"
"Yes—of course," answered Giovanni.
"What is the use of my going with you this evening?" asked his father, suddenly. "I should think you could manage your own affairs without my help."
"I thought that as you have taken so much trouble, you would enjoy telling her the story yourself."