The pitiless sentence pronounced by Mme.

de Lorcy grieved M.Moriaz, but did not discourage him.

It was his opinion that, let her say what she might, precautions were good; that, well though it might be to bear our misfortunes patiently, there was no law forbidding us to assuage them; that it was quite permissible to prefer to complete follies those of a modified character, and that a bad cold or an influenza was decidedly preferable to inflammation of the lungs, which is so apt to prove fatal.
"Time and myself will suffice for all things," proudly said Philip II.
M.Moriaz said, with perhaps less pride: "To postpone a thing so long as possible, and to hold deliberate counsel with one's notary, are the best correctives of a dangerous marriage that cannot be prevented." His notary, M.Noirot, in whom he reposed entire confidence, was absent; a case of importance had carried him to Italy.

Nothing remained but to await his return, until which everything stood in suspense.
In the first conversation he had with his daughter on the subject, M.
Moriaz found her very reasonable, very well disposed to enter into his views, to accede to his desires.

She was too thoroughly pleased with his resignation not to be willing to reward him for it with a little complaisancy; besides, she was too happy to be impatient; she had gained the main points of her case--it cost her little to yield in matters of secondary detail.
"You will be accused of having taken a most inconsiderate step," said her father to her.