“That is quite another matter,” he answered.  “If you had asked me whether you could make a fortune at this time, I would have told you that it was quite impossible without enormous capital.  Quite impossible.  Understand that, if you please.  But, negatively, you have profited, because others have failed—­hundreds of firms and contractors—­while you have lost but the paltry fifteen thousand or so with which you began.  And you have acquired great knowledge and experience.  Therefore, on the whole, you have been the gainer.  In balancing an account one takes but the sordid debit and credit and compares them—­but in estimating the value of a firm one should consider its reputation and the goodwill it has created.  The name of Andrea Contini and Company is a power in Rome.  That is the result of your work, and it is not a loss.”

Orsino said nothing, but leaned back in his chair, gloomily staring at the wall.  He wondered when Del Ferice would come to the point, and begin to talk about the new contract.

“You do not seem to agree with me,” observed Ugo in an injured tone.

“Not altogether, I confess,” replied the young man with a contemptuous laugh.

“Well, well—­it is no matter—­it is of no importance—­of no consequence whatever,” said Del Fence, who seemed inclined to repeat himself and to lengthen, his phrases as though he wished to gain time.  “Only this, Don Orsino.  I would remind you that you have just executed a piece of work successfully, which no other firm in Rome could have carried out without failure, under the present depression.  It seems to me that you have every reason to congratulate yourself.  Of course, it was impossible for me to understand that you really cared for a large profit—­for actual money—­”

“And I do not,” interrupted Orsino with more warmth than he had hitherto shown.

“But, in that case, you ought to be more than satisfied,” objected Ugo suavely.

Orsino grew impatient at last and spoke out frankly.

“I cannot be satisfied with a position of absolute dependence, from which I cannot escape except by bankruptcy.  You know that I am completely in your power.  You know very well that while you are talking to me now you contemplate making your usual condition before crying quits, as you express it.  You intend to impose another and probably a larger piece of work on me, which I shall be obliged to undertake on the same terms as before, because if I do not accept it, it is in your power to ruin me at once.  And this state of things may go on for years.  That is the enviable position of Andrea Contini and Company.”

Del Ferice assumed an air of injured dignity.

“If you think anything of this kind you greatly misjudge me,” he said.

“I do not see why I should judge otherwise,” retorted Orsino.  “That is exactly what took place on the last occasion, and what will take place now—­”

“I think not,” said Del Ferice very quietly, and watching him.