Gianbattista was mounted upon a ladder which leaned against one of the marble pillars at the entrance of the side chapel closed by the grating.

A heavy piece of arabesque work had just been got into its place, and was tied with cords while the young man ran a screw through the prepared holes to fasten one side of the fragment to the bar.

He was awkwardly placed, but he had sent the men to uncover and clean the last pieces, at a little distance from where he was at work.

The three visitors observed him with interest, probably remarking to themselves that it must need good nerves to maintain one's self in such a position.

Don Paolo, especially, was more nervous than the rest, owing, perhaps, to what had occurred in the morning.