t know the value of money!

_Aram._ Alas, you do not! Your sister made me believe you were
economical; had I known the truth, I should never have married my
daughter to a spendthrift.

_Count._ So you think me a spendthrift!

_Aram._ I first perceived it by the considerable sum you threw away in
the purchase of a title; which sacrifice to vanity has no beneficial
end.

_Count._ How! Are you not aware the rank I have acquired will impress a
character of respect on myself, your daughter, and our descendants?

_Aram._ Quite the reverse. I would have rather given my daughter to you,
as Signor Anselmo Colombani, a well-known merchant, than to the Count of
Casteldoro, a newly-made nobleman.

_Count._ But, Madame--

_Aram._ Your ancestors have saved what you will scatter.

_Count._ Scatter! I! You are mistaken, Madame. You do not know me.

_Aram._ Oh yes, yes. I saw the manner in which, without any knowledge of
diamonds, or asking the least advice, you were led away by the jeweller.

_Count._ Oh, with respect to the diamonds--

_Aram._ Ah, ay! I know your answer. They are to decorate the Countess of
Casteldoro. And who is the Countess of Casteldoro? My daughter, Signor,
has been well educated, but with no such expectations. Everything has
been done in abundance, that could contribute to convenience, decency,
and information; but nothing to pomp and vanity. The ornaments of my
daughter ever will be modesty, obedience, and that self-respect which
she could not but acquire from such an education.

_Count._ [_A little moved._] But, Madame--

_Aram._ [_Very warmly._] But, Signor--[_softening_]--I ask your
pardon--Perhaps you may think me too warm; but I see you hurried into a
gulf of expense that makes me tremble. My daughter's happiness is
concerned: I give her a hundred thousand crowns in marriage.

_Count._ [_Somewhat haughtily._] Am I not able to settle an equal sum
upon her?

_Aram._ Yes, at present. But wealth will diminish; and especially when
we have the vanity to be profuse, grand, and magnificent.

_Count._ I once more assure you, Madame, you do not know me.

_Aram._ Signor, had you been a different person, I had conceived an
excellent plan. My annual income is five-and-twenty thousand livres: I
might have lived with you and my daughter, and the two families might
have become one; but, at present, Heaven preserve me from taking such a
step!

_Count._ [_Aside._] She will drive me mad!--[_To_ Araminta.