At twelve o’clock, Marzio appeared, cold, silent, and preoccupied.  His manner did not encourage the idea entertained by Lucia, though the girl explained it to herself on the ground that her father was ashamed of having yielded so easily, and was unwilling to have it thought that he was too good-natured.  There was truth in her idea, and it showed a good deal of common sense and appreciation of character.  But it was not the whole truth.  Marzio not only felt humiliated at having suffered himself to be overcome by his daughter’s entreaties; he regretted it, and wished he could undo what he had done.  It was too late, however.  To change his mind a second time would be to show such weakness as his family had never witnessed in his actions.

He ate his food in silence, and the rest of the party ventured but few remarks.  They inwardly congratulated themselves upon the favourable issue of the affair, in so far as it could be said to have reached a conclusion, and they all dreaded equally some fresh outburst of anger, should Marzio’s temper be ruffled.  Gianbattista himself set the example of discretion.  As for the Signora Pandolfi, she had ready in her pocket the money her husband had given her in the morning for the purchase of Lucia’s outfit, and she hoped at every moment that Marzio would ask for it, which would have been a sign that he had abandoned the idea of the marriage with Carnesecchi.  But Marzio never mentioned the subject.  He ate as quickly as he could, swallowed a draught of weak wine and water, and rose from the table without a word.  With a significant nod to Maria Luisa and Lucia, Gianbattista left his seat and followed the artist towards the door.  Marzio looked round sharply as he heard the steps behind him.

“Lucia told me,” said the young man simply.  “If you wish it, I will come and work.”

Marzio hesitated a moment, beating his soft felt hat over his arm to remove the dust.

“You can go with the men and put up the prince’s grating,” he said at last.  “The right hand side is ready fitted.  If you work hard you can finish it before night.”

“Very well,” answered Gianbattista.  “I will see to it.  I have the keys here.  In fire minutes I will come across.”

Marzio nodded and went out.  Gianbattista returned to the room where the women were finishing their dinner.

“It is all right,” he said.  “I am to put up the grating this afternoon.  Will you come and see it, Sora Luisa?” He spoke to the mother, but he included the daughter by his look.

“It is very far,” objected the Signora Pandolfi, “and we have been walking so much this morning.  I think this day will never end!”

“Courage, mamma,” said Lucia, “it will do you good to walk.  Besides, there is the omnibus.  What did he say, Tista?  Am I not right?”

“Who knows?  He is very quiet,” replied the apprentice.

“What is it?  What are you right about, my heart?” asked Maria Luisa.