He put it down to the boy's excitement.
"There is another reason, Tista.

The law does not allow a girl of seventeen to be married without her father's consent." "The law again!" exclaimed Gianbattista in disgust.

"I thought the law protected Lucia from her father.

You said so last night, and you repeated it this morning." "Certainly, my boy.

But the law also protects parents against any rashness their children may meditate.