"I will avoid him."
"But he will seek you."
"I'll stay in the house."
"He'll write to you."
"I have already said I won't answer him."
"He will persevere; I know him. The prize at stake is important. He will persevere."
"You will tell him that the marriage is impossible."
"Ah, no, my dear. I shan't be the bearer of any such ungracious message."
"Aren't you—aren't you my guardian?"
"Yes, I am your guardian. But I heartily wish Francesco Acquaviva had not chosen me. Frankly, I would prefer to be nothing to you."