When Don Paolo left the workshop, he immediately crossed over and entered the street door of Marzio's house, intending to tell Maria Luisa and Lucia the result of the interview.

He had not got to the top of the first flight of stairs when he heard Gianbattista's step behind him, and turning he saw the young man's angry face.
"What is the matter, Tista ?" asked the priest, stopping on the steps and laying his hand on the iron railing.
"I am discharged, turned out, insulted by that animal!" answered the apprentice hotly.

"He is like a piece of wood! You might as well talk to a wall! You had only just closed the door when he pulled out his purse, counted my wages, and told me to take my things from his house in an hour.

I threw the money in his face--the beast!" "Hush, Tista," said Don Paolo.

"Do not be angry--we will arrange it all before night.