When I expected to be obliged to cut your throat awhile ago, I really hoped that I might be able to fulfil some last wish of yours." "I appreciated your goodness." Zorzi laughed a little nervously, now that the danger was over.
"I meant it, my friend, I do assure you.

And I mean it now.

One advantage of the fellowship is that one may offer to help a brother in any way without insulting him.

I am not as rich as I was--I was too fond of those things once"-- he pointed to the dice--"but if my purse can serve you, such as it is, I hope you will use it rather than that of another." It was impossible to be offended, sensitive though Zorzi was.
"I thank you heartily," he answered.
"It would be a curiosity to see money do good for once," said Venier, languidly looking towards the players.

"Contarini is losing again," he remarked.
"Does he generally lose much at play ?" Zorzi asked, trying to seem indifferent.
Venier laughed softly.
"It is proverbial, 'to lose like Jacopo Contarini'!" he answered.
"Tell me, I beg of you, are all the meetings of the brotherhood like this one ?" "In what way ?" asked Venier indifferently.
"Do you merely tell each other the news of the day, and then play at dice all night ?" "Some play cards." Venier laughed scornfully.