" They leave something to be desired in the way of
logic, in my humble opinion."

" Since I have told you that I do not care for your
opinion- -"

" I will probably find means to make you care for
it," retorted the young man. " Don Paolo is quite
right, in the first place, when lie tells you that the
thing is simply impossible. Fathers do not compel
their daughters to marry in this century. Will you
do me the favour to explain your first remark a little
more clearly ? You said I had turned myself out —
how ? "

" You have changed, Tista," said Marzio, leaning
back to sharpen his pencil, and staring at the wall.
" You change every day. You are not at all what
you used to be, and you know it. You are going
back to the priests. You fawn on my brother like
a dog."

" You are joking," answered the apprentice. " Of
course I would not want to make trouble in your
house by quarrelling with Don Paolo, even if I disliked
him. I do not dislike him. This evening he showed
that he is a much better man than you."

"Dear Gianbattista," returned Marzio in sour tones,
" every word you say convinces me that I have done
right. Besides, I am busy — you see — you disturb my



62 MAKZIO'S CKUCIFIX chap, m

ideas. If you do not like my house, you can leave it.
