Amongst the intricate arabesques little angels'-heads were embossed, and on one side a group of cherubs was bearing a "monstrance" with the sacred Host through silver clouds.

A hackneyed subject on church vessels, but which had taken wonderful beauty under the skilled fingers of the artist, who sat cursing the priest who was to use it, while expending his best talents on its perfections.
"It is not bad," he said rather doubtfully.

"Come and look at it, Tista," he added.

The young man left his place and came and bent over his master's shoulder, examining the piece with admiration.

It was characteristic of Marzio that he asked his apprentice's opinion.