The good woman did not possess the gift of tact.
"Do you not see that I have an idea ?" asked her husband crossly, by way of an answer, as he bent his head over his work.
"I beg your pardon," said the Signora Pandolfi, in a humble tone, looking piteously at Gianbattista.

The apprentice shook his head, as though he meant that nothing could be done for the present.

Then she rose slowly, and with a word of good-night as she turned to the door, she left the room.

The two men were alone.
"Now that nobody hears us, Sor Marzio, what do you mean to do ?" asked Gianbattista in a low voice.

Marzio shrugged his shoulders.
"What I told you," he answered, after a few seconds.