“I think it is time that he knew more.”

“Of what use can it be to tell him those old stories?” asked Corona.  “And after all, I do not believe that Del Ferice has done so much.  If you could have followed Orsino’s work, day by day and week by week, as I have, you would see how much is really due to his energy.  Any other banker would have done as much as he.  Besides, it is in Del Ferice’s own interest—­”

“That is the trouble,” interrupted Giovanni.  “It is bad enough that he should help Orsino.  It is much worse that he should help him in order to make use of him.  If, as you say, any other bank would do as much, then let him go to another bank.  If he owes Del Ferice money at the present moment, we will pay it for him.”

“You forget that he has bought the buildings he is now finishing, from Del Ferice, on a mortgage.”

Giovanni laughed a little.

“How you have learned to talk about mortgages and deeds and all sorts of business!” he exclaimed.  “But what you say is not an objection.  We can pay off these mortgages, I suppose, and take the risk ourselves.”

“Of course we could do that,” Corona answered, thoughtfully.  “But I really think you exaggerate the whole affair.  For the time being, Del Ferice is not a man, but a banker.  His personal character and former doings do not enter into the matter.”

“I think they do,” said Giovanni, still unconvinced.

“At all events, do not make trouble now, dear,” said Corona in earnest tones.  “Let the present contract be executed and finished, and then speak to Orsino before he makes another.  Whatever Del Ferice may have done, you can see for yourself that Orsino is developing in a way we had not expected, and is becoming a serious, energetic man.  Do not step in now, and check the growth of what is good.  You will regret it as much as I shall.  When he has finished these buildings he will have enough experience to make a new departure.”

“I hate the idea of receiving a favour from Del Ferice, or of laying him under an obligation.  I think I will go to him myself.”

“To Del Ferice?” Corona started and looked round at Giovanni as she sat.  She had a sudden vision of new trouble.

“Yes.  Why not?  I will go to him and tell him that I would rather wind up my son’s business with him, as our former relations were not of a nature to make transactions of mutual profit either fitting or even permissible between any of our family and Ugo Del Ferice.”

“For Heaven’s sake, Giovanni, do not do that.”

“And why not?” He was surprised at her evident distress.

“For my sake, then—­do not quarrel with Del Ferice—­it was different then, in the old days.  I could not bear it now—­” she stopped, and her lower lip trembled a little.

“Do you love me better than you did then, Corona?”

“So much better—­I cannot tell you.”

She touched his hand with hers and her dark eyes were a little veiled as they met his.  Both were silent for a moment.