Volume V Part 22 (1/2)
”Well,” said I, laughing, ”let us know each other, cousin, and be good friends Marcoline, I congratulate you on having such an honest man for an uncle”
”That is really very fine,” said M Querini; and everybody exclai indeed!”
The newly-found uncle departed, and we sat down to dinner, but in spirits which differed froled eret which move loyal hearts when they call to ly, and seeood action gives to the mind M Morosini sat a pleased spectator
The others were attentive and curious as to ould co on Marcoline's lips
After the first course there was greater unison in the company, and M
Morosini told Marcoline that if she would return to Venice she would be sure of finding a husband worthy of her
”I e of that,” said she
”Yes, but it is a good thing to have recourse to the advice of discreet persons who are interested in the happiness of both parties”
”Excuse me, but I do not think so If I ever marry, ht you this maxim?” said Querini
”My uncle, Casanova, who has, I verily believe, taughtthat can be learnt in the two h to live with hiratulate theto have learnt all the range of science Moral science cannot be learnt in two months”
”What his excellency has just said,” said I, turning to Marcoline, ”is perfectly correct In affairs of reat extent on the advice of friends, for es of inclination are often unhappy”
”That is a really philosophical remark, my dear Marcoline,” said Querini; ”but tell me the qualities which in your opinion are desirable in a husband”
”I should be puzzled to name them, but they would all beco he were a worthless fellow?”
”He would certainly not please me, and that's the reason why I have made up my mind never toyou made a mistake?”
”Then I would weep in secret”
”How if you were poor?”
”She need never fear poverty, my lord,” said I ”She has an income of fifty crowns a month for the remainder of her life”
”Oh, that's a different ed You will be able to live at Venice in perfect independence”
”I think that to live honourably there I only need the protection of a lord like your excellency”
”As to that, Marcoline, I give you my word that I will do all in my power for you if you come to Venice But let me ask you one question, how are you sure of your incoh because I a I don't have any heed for my own business My friend there will tell you all about it”
”You have not been joking, have you?” said the worthy old man to me
”Marcoline,” said I, ”has not only capital which will produce a larger sum than that which I have named, but she has also valuable possessions