He is an elderly man, strict but just, to whom you must speak frankly and without equivocating, otherwise you would make matters worse." I was pleased with M.de Bragadin's advice, which was of great use to me.
I called at the appointed time.
I was immediately announced, and I had not long to wait.

I entered the room, and his excellency, seated at a table, examined me from head to foot for one minute without speaking to me; he then rang the bell, and ordered his servant to introduce the two ladies who were waiting in the next room.

I guessed at once what was the matter, and felt no surprise when I saw the woman Marchetti and her daughter.

His excellency asked me if I knew them.
"I must know them, monsignor, as one of them will become my wife when she has convinced me by her good conduct that she is worthy of that honour." "Her conduct is good, she lives with her mother at Lusia; you have deceived her.

Why do you postpone your marriage with her?
Why do you not visit her?
You never answer her letters, and you let her be in want." "I cannot marry her, your excellency, before I have enough to support her.