"Back to Lankadomb."
"To Lankadomb? Perhaps you have lost something there?"
"Yes, my senses.—Well don't look at me so curiously as if you wished to ask whether I ever had any. You and this little girl quite understand each other. I see that mother and grandmother too are sufficiently in love with her to give her to you: but my blessing has yet to come, old man—that you have not received yet."
"Hope assures me that perhaps I have softened your hard heart."
"Not all at once. I shall tell you something."
"I am all ears."
"In my will I passed over all my worldly wealth to you: the sealed letter is in your possession. As far as I know you, I believe I shall cause you endless joy by asking back my will from you, and telling you that you will now be poorer by half your wealth, for the other half I require."
"I know that without waiting for you to teach me. But what has your old testament to do with the gospel of my heart?"
"Oh your head must be very dense, old fellow, if you don't understand yet. Then listen to my ultimatum. I refuse to give my consent to your marrying—before me."
Desiderius threw himself on Lorand's neck; he understood now.