human
And pray, Signor, what is there to be astonished at in such an intention?
gpt
I beg your pardon, Signor Marchese, but--the fact is--one is always astonished at what one does not expect, you know. You may depend on it, I am not one bit more astonished than every human being in Ravenna will be,
human
I am not aware, Signor Fortini, that I have to answer to any one save myself for the wisdom of my resolution,
gpt
Certainly not, Signor Marchese. Certainly not. But the exception is an important one. You will have to answer for the wisdom of your resolution to yourself,
human
That, Signor Fortini, is my affair. As I told you, I have considered the matter well; and I have made up my mind.
gpt
May I ask, Signor Marchese, whether your intention has been communicated to your nephew?
human
As yet I have announced it to no one save yourself. As soon as the necessary arrangements with regard to matters of property have been determined on, it will be the fitting time to do so.
gpt
Before any word can be said on that head, of course, it is necessary that your lordship should mention, what you have not yet confided to me,--the name of the lady with whom you are about to ally yourself.
human
Of course; and it is for the purpose of doing so that I have requested your presence here this morning, Signor Fortini. Before naming the lady, I will merely remark to you, that a man at my time of life may be expected to know his own mind, and has a right to please himself. And bearing these remarks in mind, you will understand that I do not wish to hear any observations on the subject of the choice I have made. My choice is made; and that is sufficient.