"'T is in parables that all religions are preached," I returned, "and love,
methinks, is a great religion in this world."
"Love, sir, love!" he cried petulantly. "The word makes me sick! What has
love to do with this union? Love, sir, is a pretty theme for poets,
romancers, and fools. The imagination of such a sentiment--for it is a
sentiment that does not live save in the imagination--may serve to draw
peasants and other lowbred clods into wedlock. With such as we--with
gentlemen--it has naught to do. So let that be, Monsieur. Andrea de
Mancini came hither to wed my daughter."
"And I am certain, Monsieur," I answered stoutly, "that Andrea will wed
your daughter."
"You speak with confidence."
"I know Andrea well. Signs that may be hidden to you are clear to me, and
I have faith in my prophecy."
He looked at me, and fell a victim to my confidence of manner. The
petulancy died out of his face.
"Well, well! We will hope. My Lord Cardinal is to create him Duke, and he
will assume as title his wife's estate, becoming known to history as Andrea
de Mancini, Duke of Canaples.
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