Beroviero was glad of it, for he regarded the affair as settled, and considered that it should be hastened to its conclusion without any further reasoning about it.

If he had sent word to young Contarini that the answer should be given him in a week, that was merely an imaginary formality invented to cover his own dignity, since he had so far derogated from it as to allow the young man to see Marietta.

In reality the marriage had been determined and settled between Beroviero and Contarini's father before anything had been said to either of the young people.

The meeting in the church might have been dispensed with, if the patrician had been able to answer with certainty for his wild son's conduct.

Jacopo had demanded it, and his father was so anxious for the marriage that he had communicated the request to Beroviero.