"When he is displeased he threatens to let me starve.

He will cut me off some day, and I shall have to turn soldier for a living.

Would that not be ruin?
You know his last scheme--he wishes me to marry the daughter of a rich glass-maker." "I know." Arisa laughed contemptuously, "Great joy may your bride have of you! Is she really rich ?" "Yes.

But you know that I will not marry her." "Why not ?" asked Arisa quite simply.
Contarini started and looked up at her face in the dim light.

She was bending down to him with a very loving look.
"Why should you not marry ?" she asked again.