Part 72 (1/2)
At once both the Senator and d.i.c.k offered to make unlimited advances.
b.u.t.tons made a deprecatory gesture.
”I know well that I could look to you for any help in any way. But that is not the reason why I don't go to Spain. I have money enough for my wants if I don't go there.”
”What is the real reason, then?”
”Well, I thought that in an affair of this kind it would be just as well to get the Governor's concurrence, and so I thought I'd drop a line to him. I've just got the letter written, and I'll put it in the mail this evening.”
”You have done right, my boy,” said the Senator, paternally. ”There are many excellent reasons for getting your father's consent in an affair like this.”
”I don't mind reading you what I have written,” said b.u.t.tons, ”if you care about hearing it.”
”Oh, if you have no objection, we should like to hear very much,”
said d.i.c.k.
Whereupon b.u.t.tons, taking a letter from his pocket, read as follows:
”DEAR FATHER,--I have endeavored to follow out your instructions and be as economical as possible.
”During my tour through Italy, have made the acquaintance of the senior member of the house of Francia, in Cadiz, a gentleman with whom you are acquainted. He was travelling with his two sisters.
The younger one is very amiable. As I know you would like to see me settled I have requested her hand in marriage.
”As I wish to be married before my return I thought I would let you know. Of course in allying myself to a member of so wealthy a family I will need to do it in good style. Whatever you can send me will therefore be quite acceptable.
”Please reply immediately on receipt of this, addressing me at Paris as before.
”And very much oblige E. b.u.t.tONS.”
”Well,” said the Senator, ”that's a sensible letter. It's to the point. I'm glad to see that you are not so foolish as most lads in your situation. Why should not a man talk as wisely about a partners.h.i.+p of this kind as of any other? I do declare that these rhapsodies, this highblown, high-flown, sentimental twaddle is nauseating.”
”You see, d.i.c.k,” said b.u.t.tons, ”I must write a letter which will have weight with the old gentleman. He likes the terse business style. I think that little hint about her fortune is well managed too. That's a great deal better than boring him with the state of my affections. Isn't it?”
”There's nothing like adapting your style to the disposition of the person you address,” said d.i.c.k.
”Well,” said the Senator, ”you propose to start to-morrow, do you?”
”Yes,” said b.u.t.tons.
”I'm agreed then I was just beginning to get used up myself. I'm an active man, and when I've squeezed all the juice out of a place I want to throw it away and go to another. What do you say, d.i.c.k? You are silent.”
”Well, to tell the truth,” said d.i.c.k, ”I don't care about leaving just yet. Gonfaloniere expects me to stay longer, and he would feel hurt if I hurried off, I am very sorry that you are both going. It would be capital if you could only wait here a month or so.”
”A month!” cried b.u.t.tons. ”I couldn't stand it another day. Will nothing induce you to come? What can we do without you?”
”What can I do without you?” said d.i.c.k, with some emotion.