I trust that this explanation, which I am happy to say has been conducted with the strictest propriety, will be final, and that you will at once desist from any further attempts toward persuading me to consent to a union that I disapprove." Lira once more stopped his horse in the road, and taking off his hat bowed to Nino.
"And I, sir," said Nino, no less courteously, "am obliged to you for your clearly-expressed answer.

I shall never cease to regret your decision, and so long as I live I shall hope that you may change your mind.

Good-day, Signor Conte," and he bowed to his saddle.
"Good-day, Signor Cardegna." So they parted: the count heading homeward toward Fillettino, and Nino turning back toward Trevi.
By this manoeuvre he conveyed to the count's mind the impression that he had been to Fillettino for the day, and was returning to Trevi for the evening; and in reality the success of his enterprise, since his representations had failed, must depend upon Hedwig being comparatively free during the ensuing night.

He determined to wait by the roadside until it should be dark, allowing his mule to crop whatever poor grass she could find at this season, and thus giving the count time to reach Fillettino, even at the most leisurely pace.
He sat down upon the root of a tree, and allowed his mule to graze at liberty.

It was already growing dark in the valley; for between the long speeches of civility the two had employed and the frequent pauses in the interview, the meeting had lasted the greater part of an hour.
Nino says that while he waited he reviewed his past life and his present situation.
Indeed, since he had made his first appearance in the theatre, three months before, events had crowded thick and fast in his life.