Pagina 172 van 1118

"The curate has some foolish reason for putting off my marriage,

and I wish to hasten it. I am told that the parties going before

him with two witnesses, and the one saying, This is my wife, and

the other, _This is my husband_, that the marriage is lawful. Do

you understand me?"

"You wish me to go as a witness?"

"Yes."

"And you will pay the twenty-five livres?"

"Yes."

"Done; I agree to it."

"But we must find another witness."

"I have found him already," said Tony. "My simpleton of a

brother, Jervase, will do whatever I tell him; but you will pay

him with something to drink?"

"And to eat," replied Renzo. "But will he be able?"

"I'll teach him; you know I was born with brains for both."

"To-morrow."

"Well."

"Towards evening."

"Very well."

"But be silent," said Renzo.

"Poh!" said Tony.

"But if thy wife should ask thee, as without doubt she will?"