He desired no repetition of the scene which had passed, and he thought the best thing to be done was to temporise for a while.
"I am glad you are willing to look into the matter," answered Don Paolo.
"I am quite sure you will soon be convinced." Marzio was silent, and it was evident that the interview was at an end.
Don Paolo was tolerably well satisfied, for he had gained at least one point in forcing his brother to examine the question.

He remained a moment in his seat, reviewing the situation, and asking himself whether there was anything more to be said.

He wished indeed that he could produce some deeper impression on the artist.

It was not enough, from the moral point of view, that Marzio should be made to see the impossibility of his scheme, although it was as much as could be expected.

The good man wished with all his heart that Marzio could be softened a little, that he might be made to consider his daughter's feelings, to betray some sign of an affection which seemed wholly dead, to show some more human side of his character.