To such a man as Marzio, the workshop is more sympathetic than the house.

Disagreeing on most points with his family, obliged to be absent during the whole day, wholly absorbed in the production of works which the women of his household could not thoroughly appreciate, because they did not thoroughly understand the ideas which originated them, nor the methods employed in their execution--under these combined circumstances it was to be expected that the artist's real feelings would find expression at the work-bench rather than in the society of his wife and daughter.

Seated by Marzio's side, and learning from him all that could be learned, Gianbattista had acquired at the same time a thorough knowledge of his instincts and emotions, which neither Maria Luisa nor Lucia was able to comprehend.
Marzio was tenacious of his ideas and of his schemes.

Deficient in power of initiative and in physical courage, he was obstinate beyond all belief in his adherence to his theories.

That he should suddenly yield to a devotional impulse, fall upon his knees before a crucifix and cry _mea culpa_ over his whole past life, was altogether out of the question.