"You must agree," he rejoined, "that such a cap is much more convenient. It does not cover its possessor alone, but his shadow also, and as many people besides as he likes to have with him. Look, now, to-day I get two of ye." He laughed again. "You must know, Schlemihl, that what is not done by fair means at first, may be enforced at last; I still thought you would have bought the trifle. Take back your bride (there is yet time), and send Rascal to swing on the gallows; that is an easy matter while we have a rope at hand. Hearken, I give you the cap into the bargain." The mother came forth, and this conversation followed. "What is my Mina doing?"--"Weeping."--"Simple child! but can it not be altered?"--"No, indeed."--"But to give her so soon to another--O husband! you are cruel to your own child!"--"Mother! you don't see clearly. Even before she has wept out her childish tears, when she finds herself the wife of a rich and noble man, she will be consoled for her sorrows, as if awakened from a dream. She will thank Heaven and us; and that you will see."--"God grant it!"--"She already possesses a pretty handsome dowry; but after the noise made by that unfortunate adventurer, do you believe that so brilliant a proposal as Mr. Rascal's will soon or easily be found? Do you know what wealth he possesses? He has six million florins in landed property in this country paid for in cash, free from all incumbrances. I have the writings in hand. It was he who forestalled me always in the best purchases. Besides this, he has in his portfolio bills of exchange on Mr. Thomas Jones for above three millions and a half of florins."--"He must have pilfered at a pretty rate."--"That's all nonsense. He has hoarded wisely, where others foolishly squandered."--"But a man who has worn a livery!"--"Folly! he has an irreproachable shadow!"--"You are right, but--" The man in the great coat laughed and looked full in my face. The door opened, and Mina came out; she was supporting herself on her maid's arm; silent tears were flowing over her pale and lovely cheeks. She sat down in a chair placed for her under the lime-trees, and her father seated himself beside her. He gently seized her hand, and while she wept still more bitterly, addressed her in the gentlest accents.