"
"Of course," said Zorzi. "We should make tests of all three crucibles
to-day, if it is only to make more room for the things that are to be
put in."
"Where is the copper ladle?" asked Marietta. "I do not see it in its
place."
"I have none--I had forgotten. Your brother came here yesterday morning,
and wanted to try the glass himself in spite of me. I knocked the ladle
out of his hand and it fell through into the crucible."
"That was like you," said Marietta. "I am glad you did it."
"Heaven knows what has happened to the thing," Zorzi answered. "It has
been there since yesterday morning. For all I know, it may have melted
by this time. It may affect the glass, too."
"Where can I get another?" asked Marietta, anxious to begin.
Zorzi made an instinctive motion to rise. It hurt him badly and he bit
his lip.
"I forgot," he said. "Pasquale can get another ladle from the main
glass-house."
"Go and call Pasquale, Nella," said Marietta at once. "Ask him to get a
copper ladle."
Nella went out into the garden, leaving the two together. Marietta was
standing between the chair and the furnace, two or three steps from
Zorzi. It was very hot in the big room, for the window was still shut.
"Tell me how you really feel," Marietta said, almost at once.
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