“So let us now have a look into your contracts, Don Orsino,” he said.  “Or rather, look into the state of the account yourself if you wish to do so, for I have already examined it.”

“I am familiar enough with the details,” answered the young man.  “I do not need to look over everything.  The books have been audited as you see.  The only thing left to be done is to hand over the work to you, since it is executed according to the contract.  You doubtless remember that verbal part of the agreement.  You receive the buildings as they now stand and our credit cash if there is any, in full discharge of all the obligations of Andrea Contini and Company to the bank—­acceptances coming due, balance of account if in debit, and mortgages on land and houses—­and we are quits again, my firm being discharged of all obligation.”

Del Ferice’s expression changed a little and became more grave.

“Doubtless,” he answered, “there was a tacit understanding to that effect.  Yes—­yes—­I remember.  Indeed it was not altogether tacit.  A word was said about it, and a word is as good as a contract.  Very well, Don Orsino—­very well.  Since you desire it, we will cry quits again.  This kind of business is not very profitable to the bank—­not very—­but it is not actual loss.”

“It is not profitable to us,” observed Orsino.  “If you do not wish any more of it, we do not.”

“Really?”

Del Ferice looked at him rather curiously as though wishing that he would say more.  Orsino met his glance steadily, expecting to be informed of the nature of the next contract to be forced upon him.

“So you really prefer to discontinue these operations—­if I may call them so,” said Del Ferice thoughtfully.  “It is strange that you should, I confess.  I remember that you much desired to take a part in affairs, to be an actor in the interesting doings of the day, to be a financial personage, in short.  You have had your wish, Don Orsino.  Your firm plays an important part in Rome.  Do you remember our first interview on the steps of Monte Citorio?  You asked me whether I could and would help you to enter business.  I promised that I would, and I have kept my word.  The sums mentioned in those papers, here, show that I have done all I promised.  You told me that you had fifteen thousand francs at your disposal.  From that small beginning I have shown you how to deal with millions.  But you do not seem to care for business, after all, Don Orsino.  You really do not seem to care for it, though I must confess that you have a remarkable talent.  It is very strange.”

“Is it?” asked Orsino with a shade of contempt.  “You may remember that my business has not been profitable, in spite of what you call my talent, and in spite of what I know to have been hard work.”

Del Ferice smiled softly.