“What can this obstacle—this mysterious obstacle be?” said my mother.
“An obstacle on their side!” exclaimed my father: “is that possible?”
I had now, at least, the pleasure of enjoying their sympathy: and of hearing them go over all the conjectures by which I had been bewildered. I observed that the less chance there appeared to be of the match, the more my father and mother inclined towards it.
“At least,” said my mother, “I hope we shall know what the objection is.”
“It is very extraordinary, after all, that it should be on their side,” repeated my father.
My mother’s imagination, and my father’s pride, were both strongly excited; and I let them work without interruption.
CHAPTER XVII.
The time appointed for Mr. Montenero’s final decision approached. In a few days my fate was to be decided. The vessel that was to sail for America was continually before my eyes.