Orsino was somewhat startled by the words, but his face betrayed nothing.  It was clear to him that Ugo had something new to propose, and it was not easy to guess the nature of the coming proposition.

“Will you kindly explain yourself?” he asked.

“My dear Don Orsino, there is nothing to explain,” replied Del Ferice again becoming very bland.

“I do not understand.”

“No?  It is very simple.  You have finished the buildings.  The bank will take them over and consider the account closed.  You stated the position yourself in the most precise terms.  I do not see why you should suppose that the bank wishes to impose anything upon you which you are not inclined to accept.  I really do not see why you should think anything of the kind.”

In the dead silence which followed Orsino could hear his own heart beating loudly.  He wondered whether he had heard aright.  He wondered whether this were not some new manoeuvre on Del Ferice’s part by which he must ultimately fall still more completely under the banker’s domination.  Ugo doubtless meant to qualify what he had just said by adding a clause.  Orsino waited for what was to follow.

“Am I to understand that this does not suit your wishes?” inquired Ugo, presently.

“On the contrary, it would suit me perfectly,” answered Orsino controlling his voice with some difficulty.

“In that case, there is nothing more to be said,” observed Del Ferice.  “The bank will give you a formal release—­indeed, I think the notary is at this moment here.  I am very glad to be able to meet your views, Don Orsino.  Very glad, I am sure.  It is always pleasant to find that amicable relations have been preserved after a long and somewhat complicated business connexion.  The bank owes it to you, I am sure—­”

“I am quite willing to owe that to the bank,” answered Orsino with a ready smile.  He was almost beside himself with joy.

“You are very good, I assure you,” said Del Ferice, with much politeness.  He touched a bell and his confidential clerk appeared.

“Cancel these drafts,” he said, giving the man a small bundle of bills.  “Direct the notary to prepare a deed of sale, transferring all this property, as was done before—­” he hesitated.  “I will see him myself in ten minutes,” he added.  “It will be simpler.  The account of Andrea Contini is balanced and closed.  Make out a preliminary receipt for all dues whatsoever and bring it to me.”

The clerk stared for one moment as though he believed that Del Ferice were mad.  Then he went out.

“I am sorry to lose you, Don Orsino,” said Del Ferice, thoughtfully rolling his big silver pencil case on the table.  “All the legal papers will be ready to-morrow afternoon.”

“Pray express to the directors my best thanks for so speedily winding up the business,” answered Orsino.  “I think that, after all, I have no great talent for affairs.”