I enquired his name, and he answered that it was Caudagna.
The reader may very likely recollect that my father's native place had been Parma, and that one of his sisters had married a Caudagna.

"It would be a curious coincidence," I thought, "if that dressmaker should be my aunt, and my valet my cousin!" but I did not say it aloud.
Henriette asked me if I had any objection to the first dressmaker dining at our table.
"I entreat you, my darling," I answered, "never, for the future, to ask my consent in such trifling matters.

Be quite certain, my beloved, that I shall always approve everything you may do." She smiled and thanked me.

I took out my purse, and said to her; "Take these fifty sequins, dearest, to pay for all your small expenses, and to buy the many trifles which I should be sure to forget." She took the money, assuring me that she was vastly obliged to me.
A short time before dinner the worthy captain made his appearance.
Henriette ran to meet him and kissed him, calling him her dear father, and I followed her example by calling him my friend.

My beloved little wife invited him to dine with us every day.