The Marquis d'Avennes was certainly an elegant cavalier, but rather dainty than manly.

He was soon madly in love with Fraulein Anna, and asked in due form for her hand.

Her excellenza favored the match, and the father said simply: 'You will take him!' He would listen to no opposition.

Other gentlemen don't consult their daughters when a suitable lover appears.

So the signorina became the marquis's betrothed wife, but the padrona said firmly that her niece was too young to be married.