Said then the don in a loud voice (when he had recovered it,) “A notary.”
“Ah, don, a notary is not like a glass of wine, ever at hand; but anticipating this joyful moment, I have brought a notary with us.”
“Quick, quick, quick,” said the don.
“Yes, yes, yes,” replied the doctor, and running; but he returned immediately, with the false notary, Nephew Charles.
Solemnly this functionary walked to a table, sat down a mass of black folds, and severely took up a pen.
Then said the doctor pompously, and dictating to the grave notary, “On the one part, et cetera, et cetera, Sophronia Malatesta, residing et cetera, et cetera, and the rest of it. And on the other part, Don Pasquale, et cetera, et cetera, residing at et cetera, et cetera, and also all the rest of it.”
The notary, writing hurriedly, soon completed the work.
“Very good!” said the proud don, “and then continue—which above-named gentleman (I mean myself,) from this hour, makes over one half his goods and property, by a deed of gift made before his death, to his most beloved wife.”
This was also written in a hurry.
“Bless you! bless you!” said the doctor.