I crave your blessing." The old man started, and then stood stock-still.

His son had fairly taken his breath away, for he had not expected the news for three or four months to come.

Then he advanced and took Corona's hand, and kissed it.
"Madam," he said, "you have done my son an honour which extends to myself and to every Saracinesca, dead, living, and to come." Then he laid Corona's hand in Giovanni's, and held his own upon them both.
"God bless you," he said, solemnly; and as Corona bent her proud head, he touched her forehead with his lips.

Then he embraced Giovanni, and his joy broke out in wild enthusiasm.
"Ha, my children," he cried, "there has not been such a couple as you are for generations--there has not been such good news told in these old walls since they have stood here.

We will illuminate the castle, the whole town, in your honour--we will ring the bells and have a Te Deum sung--we will have such a festival as was never seen before--we will go to Rome to-morrow and celebrate the espousal--we will--" "Softly, _padre mio_," interrupted Giovanni.