"I am glad if it is to be arranged at last." The other persons in the room held their breath.

The young girl blushed deeply under her white skin, and Gianbattista grew pale as he laid aside his pencil and shaded his eyes with his hands.

The Signora Pandolfi panted with excitement and trembled visibly as she looked at her husband.

His dark figure stood out strongly from the background of the shabby blue wall paper, and the petroleum lamp cast deep shadows in the hollows of his face.
"Yes," he continued, "I talked yesterday with Gasparo Carnesecchi--you know, he is the lawyer I always consult.

He is a clever fellow and understands these matters.