But the priest had risen too, and placed himself
between the young man and Marzio to prevent any
struggle. " No violence ! " he cried in a tone that
dominated the angry voices and the hysterical weeping
of Maria Luisa, who sat rocking herself in her chair.
Gianbattista stepped back and leaned against the wall,
choking with anger. Lucia fell back into her seat and
covered her face with her hands.
" Violence ? Who wants violence ? " asked Marzio
in contemptuous tones. " Do you suppose I am afraid
of Tista ? Let him alone, Paolo ; let us see whether
he will strike me."

The priest now turned his back on the apprentice,
and confronted Marzio. He was not pale like the



52 MAEZIO'S CRUCIFIX chap, m

rest, for he was not afraid of the chiseller, and the
generous flush of a righteous indignation mounted to
his calm face.
" You are mad," he said, meeting his brother's gaze
fearlessly.
