But at the same time he was not old enough, nor independent enough, to exhibit his feelings on all occasions.

Don Paolo exercised a dominant influence in the Pandolfi household.

He had the advantage of being calm, grave, and thoroughly in earnest, not easily ruffled nor roused to anger, any more than he was easily hurt.

By character sensitive, he bore all small attacks upon himself with the equanimity of a man who believes his cause to be above the need of defence against little enemies.

The result was that he dominated his brother's family, and even Marzio himself was not free from a certain subjection which he felt, and which was one of the most bitter elements in his existence.