"I have just seen his best work--a crucifix such as your Eminence wishes.
Indeed, he proposed that you should take it, for he says he can make nothing better." "Let us see, let us see," answered the prelate, in a tone which showed that he did not altogether like the proposal.

"You say he has it already made.

Tell me, has your brother much work to do just now ?" "Not much, Eminence.

He has just finished the grating of a chapel for some church or other.

I think I saw a silver ewer begun upon his table." "I thought that perhaps he had not time for my crucifix." "But he is an artist, my brother!" cried the priest, who resented the idea that Marzio might wish to palm off an ill-made object in order to save time.