'Oh no! You must have known it before I did. I merely made a remark—why are you so angry? She will come back. She will probably come just when you are ready to marry Miss Slayback.'
'Will you leave my affairs to me, and go?' Tebaldo made a step forward.
'My dear Tebaldo, I wish you would not be so furious about nothing. I come in peace, and you receive me like a wild animal. I am anxious about your marriage. It will be the salvation of our family, and the sooner you can conclude the matter, the better it will be for all of us.'
'I do not see what advantage you are likely to gain by my marriage.'
'Think of the position! It is a great advantage to be the brother of a rich man.'
'In order to borrow money of him. I see.'
'Not necessarily. It will change our position very much. The danger is that your friend Aliandra may spoil everything if she hears of Miss Slayback.'
'Either go, or speak plainly,' said Tebaldo, beginning to walk up and down in order to control the impulse that was driving him to strike his brother.
Francesco sat down upon the edge of the writing-table and lighted a cigarette.
'It is a pity that we should be always quarrelling,' he said.