"The cord is the right length for you, as it is too short for me.

I am going to model." Without more words Marzio went and took a large and heavy slate from the corner, washed it carefully, and dried it with his handkerchief.
Then he provided himself with a bowl full of twisted lengths of red wax, and with a couple of tools he sat down to his work.

Gianbattista, having changed his seat, looked over the tools his master had been using, with a workman's keen glance, and, taking up his own hammer, attacked the task given him.

For some time neither of the men spoke.
"I have been to church," remarked Marzio at last, as he softened a piece of wax between his fingers before laying it on the slate.

The news was so astounding that Gianbattista uttered an exclamation of surprise.
"You need not be frightened," answered the artist.