You are allowed to become the suitor of this young person.
THE MOTHER-IN-LAW (to the intended groom).--"You can't imagine how
susceptible the dear girl is of attachment."
Meanwhile there is a delicate pecuniary question to be discussed
by the two families.
YOUR FATHER (to the mother-in-law).--"My property is valued at
five hundred thousand francs, my dear madame!"
YOUR FUTURE MOTHER-IN-LAW.--"And our house, my dear sir, is on a
corner lot."
A contract follows, drawn up by two hideous notaries, a small one,
and a big one.
Then the two families judge it necessary to convoy you to the
civil magistrate's and to the church, before conducting the bride
to her chamber.
Then what? . . . . . Why, then come a crowd of petty unforeseen
troubles, like the following: