I knew that if they saw
enough of each other they would fall in love, and they would want the
happiness that love brings to all people. Just a moment, Baron! I
want to say to you now, all of you, that if my girl should love your
prince and he should love her in return, there isn't a power below
heaven that can keep them apart. If she doesn't love him, and he
should be unlucky enough to love her, I'd see him hanged before he
could have her. I'll admit that I have counted on seeing all of this
come to pass, and that I have bungled the thing pretty badly because
I'm a loving, selfish father,--but, my lords, since you have brought
me here to tell me that it is impossible for my girl to marry your
prince, I will say to you, here and now, that if they ever love each
other and want to get married, I'll see to it that it isn't
impossible. You issue an ultimatum to me, in plain words, so I'll
submit one to you, in equally plain words. I intend to leave this
matter entirely to my daughter and Prince Robin. They are to do the
deciding, so far as I am concerned.
Pages:
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453