The Countess has sacrificed herself; the mercenary marriage has
taken place--but not without obstacles, caused by difference of opinion
on the question of marriage settlements.
'Private inquiries, instituted in England, have informed the Baron that my
Lord's income is derived chiefly from what is called entailed property.
In case of accidents, he is surely bound to do something for his bride?
Let him, for example, insure his life, for a sum proposed by the Baron,
and let him so settle the money that his widow shall have it,
if he dies first.
'My Lord hesitates. The Baron wastes no time in useless discussion.
"Let us by all means" (he says) "consider the marriage as broken off."
My Lord shifts his ground, and pleads for a smaller sum than
the sum proposed. The Baron briefly replies, "I never bargain."
My lord is in love; the natural result follows--he gives way.
'So far, the Baron has no cause to complain. But my Lord's turn comes,
when the marriage has been celebrated, and when the honeymoon is over.
The Baron has joined the married pair at a palace which they
have hired in Venice.
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