He sat in profound thought, occasionally twisting his soft hat in his hands, and then again remaining quite motionless.

He did not know how long he stayed there.

The perfect silence was pleasant to him, and when he rose he felt that the idea he had sought was found, and could be readily expressed.

With a sort of sigh of satisfaction he went out again into the air and walked quickly towards his workshop.
The men told him that Gianbattista was busy within, and after glancing sharply at the work which was proceeding, Marzio opened the inner door and entered the studio.

He strode up to the table and took up the body of the ewer, which lay on its pad where he had left it the night before.
He held it in his hands for a moment, and then, pushing the leather cushion towards Gianbattista, laid it down.
"Finish it," he said shortly; "I have something else to do." The apprentice looked up in astonishment, as though he suspected that Marzio was jesting.
"I am afraid--" he answered with hesitation.
"It makes no difference; finish it as best you can; I am sick of it; you will do it well enough.