Page:Manzoni - The Betrothed, 1834.djvu/41

 "Now, I beseech you, tell me at once what difficulty has occurred?"

"Be patient—these are not points to be cleared up in an instant. There will be nothing, I hope; but whether or not, we must search into the matter. The passage is clear and explicit,—"antiquam matrimonium denunciet"

"I'll not hear your Latin."

"But it is necessary to explain to you"

"But why not do this before? Why tell me all was prepared? Why wait"

"See there now! to reproach me with my kindness! I have hastened every thing to serve you; but—but there has occurred well, well, I know"

"And what do you wish that I should do?"

"Be patient for a few days. My dear child, a few days are not eternity; be patient."

"For how long a time then?"

"We are coming to a good conclusion," thought Don Abbondio. "Come," said he, gently, "in fifteen days I will endeavour"

"Fifteen days! Oh! this is something new. To tell me now, on the very day you yourself appointed for my marriage, that I must wait fifteen days! Fifteen," resumed he, with a low and angry voice.

Don Abbondio interrupted him, earnestly seizing his hand, and with an imploring tone beseeching him to be quiet. "Come, come, don't be angry; for the love of Heaven! I'll see, I'll see if in a week"

"And what shall I say to Lucy?" said Renzo, softening.

"That it has been a mistake of mine."

"And to the world?"

"Say also it is my fault; that through too great haste I have made some great blunder: throw all the blame on me. Can I do more than this? Come in a week."

"And then there will be no further difficulties?"

"When I say a thing"

"Well, well, I will be quiet for a week; but be assured, I will be put off with no further excuses:—for the present, I take my leave." So saying, he departed, making