"What is the question ?" "I'm coming to it, but I want to explain, or it will not be quite clear.
You see, it is not as if I were a personage in the world." "What sort of personage?
Please explain." "I mean, if I were the head of a great house, with a great title and hereditary estate." "What has that to do with it ?" Folco was mystified.
"If I were, it would make a difference, I suppose.

But I'm not.

I'm plain Marcello Consalvi, no better than any one else." "But vastly richer," Folco suggested.
"I wish I were not.

I wish I were a poor clerk, working for my living." "The air of this place is not good for you, my boy." Folco laughed gaily.
"No, don't laugh! I'm in earnest.

If I were a poor man, nobody would think it at all strange if--" Marcello hesitated.
"If what ?" "If I married Regina," said Marcello rather desperately.
Folco's expression changed instantly.
"Was that the question you were going to ask me ?" he inquired.
"Yes." Marcello grew very red and smoked so fast that he choked himself.
"Is there any earthly reason why you should marry her ?" asked Folco very quietly.
"It would be right," Marcello answered, gaining courage.
"Yes, yes, undoubtedly," Folco hastened to admit.