The young man promised to turn out a freethinker after Marzio's own heart, and showed a talent for his profession which left nothing to be desired.

Some one must be ready to take Marzio's place in the direction of the establishment, and no one could be better fitted to undertake the task than Gianbattista.

Lucia would inherit her father's money as the capital for the business, and her husband should inherit the workshop with all the stock-in-trade.
Latterly, however, Marzio had changed his mind, and the idea no longer seemed so satisfactory to him as at first.

Gianbattista was evidently falling under the influence of Don Paolo, and that was a sufficient reason for breaking off the match.

Marzio hardly realised that as far as his outward deportment in the presence of the priest was concerned, the apprentice was only following his master's example.
Marzio had been looking about him for another husband for his daughter, and he had actually selected one from among his most intimate friends.
His choice had fallen upon the thin lawyer--by name Gasparo Carnesecchi--who, according to the chiseller's views, was in all respects a most excellent match.