"I do not quarrel with Rinolfos.

I chastise them when they are insolent or displease me.

This one did both." He halted before me, erect and very stern--indeed almost threatening.
And I began to grow afraid; for, after all, I had a kindness for Gervasio, and I would not willingly engage in a quarrel with him.

Yet here I was determined to carry through this thing as I had begun it.
It was my mother who saved the situation.
"Alas!" she moaned, "there is wicked blood in him.

He has the abominable pride that was the ruin and downfall of his father." Now that was not the way to make an ally of Fra Gervasio.