“With me!” exclaimed San Giacinto, joining in his cousin’s merriment.  “With me, indeed!  A sober widower, between thirty and forty!  A likely thing!  Fortunately there is no question of love in this matter.  I think I can answer for her conduct, however.”

“I would not be the man to raise your jealousy!” remarked Saracinesca, laughing again as he looked admiringly at his cousin’s gigantic figure and lean stern face.  “You are certainly able to take care of your wife.  Besides, I have no doubt that Flavia will change when she is married.  She is not a bad girl—­ only a little too fond of making fun of her father and mother, and after all, as far as the old man is concerned, I do not wonder.  There is one point upon which you must satisfy him, though—­I am not curious, and do not ask you questions, but I warn you that glad as he will be to marry his daughter, he will want to drive a bargain with you and will inquire about your fortune.”

San Giacinto was silent for a few moments and seemed to be making a calculation in his head.

“Would a fortune equal to what he gives her be sufficient?” he asked at length.

“Yes.  I fancy so,” replied the prince looking rather curiously at his cousin.  “You see,” he continued, “as you have children by your first marriage, Montevarchi would wish to see Flavia’s son provided for, if she has one.  That is your affair.  I do not want to make suggestions.”

“I think,” said San Giacinto after another short interval of silence, “that I could agree to settle something upon any children which may be born.  Do you think some such arrangement would satisfy Prince Montevarchi?”

“Certainly, if you can agree about the terms.  Such things are often done in these cases.”

“I am very grateful for your advice.  May I count upon your good word with the prince, if he asks your opinion?”

“Of course,” answered Saracinesca, readily, if not very cordially.

He had not at first liked his cousin, and although he had overcome his instinctive aversion to the man, the feeling was momentarily revived with more than its former force by the prospect of being perhaps called upon to guarantee, in a measure, San Giacinto’s character as a suitable husband for Flavia.  He had gone too far already however, for since he had given his approval to the scheme it would not become him to withhold his cooperation, should his assistance be in any way necessary in order to bring about the marriage.  The slight change of tone as he uttered the last words had not escaped San Giacinto, however.  His perceptions were naturally quick and were sharpened by the peculiarities of his present position, so that he understood Saracinesca’s unwillingness to have a hand in the matter almost better than the prince understood it himself.

“I trust that I shall not be obliged to ask your help,” remarked San Giacinto.  “I was, indeed, more anxious for your goodwill than for any more material aid.”