He says, 'I will not see her, for if she will not have me, it is better to die quickly.' A father's heart, dear Macomer--think of what I suffer, and have compassion! He is my only one--such a beautiful boy, and so young--" "We are sorry," said Matilde, with firm-voiced sympathy that was already a refusal.
"You will not!" cried the old man, shakily, in his distress.

"Say you will not--but not that you are sorry! And Heaven knows it is not for Donna Veronica's money! The contract shall be as you please--we do not need--" "Who has spoken of money ?" The countess's tone expressed grave indifference to such a trifle.

"Dear Duca, do not be distressed.

We cannot help it.

We cannot dictate to Providence.