Then his father entered the room.
"Well ?" said Giovanni, looking up.
"It is all settled," said the old gentleman, seriously.

"I was afraid they might make some objection to me as a second.

You know there is an old clause about near relations acting in such cases.

But they declared that they considered my co-operation an honour--so that is all right.
You must do your best, my boy.

This rascal means to hurt you if he can.
Seven o'clock is the time.