Languages & literature > Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane > Volume 2

GIL BL.
ter: and on the following day he filled up the vacancy
in so worthy a manner, as reconciled Scipio at once to the
change in culinary politics.
Though my adroit and active secretary had assured me
of Antonia’s secret self-congratulation on the conquest
of her landlord’s heart, I coilld not venture to rely solely
on his report. I was fearful lest he should have been
entrapped by false appearances. To be more certain of
my bliss, I determined on speaking in person to the fair
Antonia. I therefore went to Basil’s house, and con¬
firmed to him what my ambassador had announced.
This honest peasant, of patriarchal simplicity and golden-
aged frankness, after having heard me through, did not
hesitate to own that it would be the greatest happiness of
his life to give me his daughter: but added he, you are
by no means to suppose that it is because you are lord of
the manor. Were you still steward to Don Caesar and
Don Alphonso, I should prefer you to all other suitors
who might apply: I have always felt a sort of kindness
towards you ; and nothing vexes me, but that Antonia
has not a thumping fortune to bring with her. “ I want
not the vile dross,” said I: “ her person is the only dowry
that I covet.” “ Your humble servant for that,” cried
he: “ but you will not settle accounts with me after that
fashion; I am not a beggar, to marry my daughter upon
charity. Basil de Buenotrigo is in circumstances, by the
blessing of providence, to portion her off decently; and
I mean that she should set out a little supper, if you are
to be at the expense of dinners. In a word, the rental of
this estate is only five hundred ducats: I shall raise it to
a thousand on the strength of this marriage.”
“ Just as you please, my dear Basil,” replied I: “ we
are not likely to have any dispute about money matters.
We are both of a mind; all that remains is to get your
daughter’s consent,” “ You have mine,” said he, “ and
that is enough.” “ Not altogether so,” answered I:
“ though yours may be absolutely necessary, no business
can be done without hers.” “ Hers follows mine of
course,” replied he; “I should like to catch her mur¬
muring against my sovereign commands! ” “ Antonia,”