It is nothing," answered Lucia, and in a moment she was at the door.
Opening it to go out, she saw the tall figure of Don Paolo at the other end of the passage coming rapidly towards her.

She raised her finger to her lips and nodded, as though to explain that everything was settled, and that the priest should not speak to Marzio.

She, of course, did not know that he had been talking with Gianbattista and her mother, nor that he knew anything about the apprentice's dismissal.

She only feared fresh trouble, now that the prospect looked so much clearer, in case Don Paolo should again attack her father upon the subject of the marriage.

But her uncle came forward and made as though he would enter the workshop.
"It is all settled," she said quietly.