I watched him closely, and I watched Giuliana, a queer fresh uneasiness pervading me.
The talk was trivial and chiefly concerned with the progress of the barracks the legate was building and the fine new road from the middle of the city to the Church of Santa Chiara, which he intended should be called the Via Gambara, but which, despite his intentions, is known to-day as the Stradone Farnese.
Presently my cousin arrived, full-armed and very martial by contrast with the velvety Cardinal.

He frowned to see Messer Gambara, then effaced the frown and smiled as, one by one, he greeted us.

Last of all he turned to me.
"And how fares his saintliness ?" quoth he.
"Indeed, none too saintly," said I, speaking my thoughts aloud.
He laughed.

"Why, then, the sooner we are in orders, the sooner shall we be on the road to mending that.

Is it not so, Messer Fifanti?
"His ordination will profit you, I nothing doubt," said Fifanti, with his habitual discourtesy and acidity.