We talked of the contract; I thought it better to consult him, you see, and he thinks the affair can be arranged in a couple of weeks.

He is so intelligent.

A marvel of astuteness; we discussed the whole matter, I say, and it is to be concluded as soon as possible.

So now, my children--" Gianbattista and Lucia, seated side by side at the table, were looking into each other's eyes, and as Marzio fixed his gaze upon them, their hands joined upon the drawing-board, and an expression of happy surprise overspread their faces.

Marzio smiled too, as he paused before completing the sentence.
"So that now, my children," he continued, speaking very slowly, "you may as well leave each other's hands and have done with all this nonsense." The lovers looked up suddenly with a puzzled air, supposing that Marzio was jesting.
"I am in earnest," he went on.