"Where is it?" he asked in extreme anxiety, for he could hardly believe what he heard.
"I will not tell you yet," was the unexpected answer Marietta gave him. "And you cannot possibly find it unless I do."
The veins stood out on the old man's temples in an instant, and the old angry fire came back to his eyes.
"Do you dare to tell me that you will not show me the place where the book is, on the very instant?" he cried.
"Oh yes," answered Marietta. "I dare that, and much more. I am not a coward like my brother, you know. I will not tell you the secret till you promise me something."
"You are trying to sell me what is my own!" he answered angrily. "You are in league with Zorzi against me, to break off your marriage. But I will not do it—you shall tell me where the book is—if you refuse, you shall repent it as long as you live—I will—"
He stopped short in his speech as he met her disdainful look.
"You never threatened me before," she said. "Why do you think that you can frighten me?"
"Give me what is mine," said the old man angrily. "That is all I demand. I am not threatening."
"Set me free from Messer Jacopo, and you shall have it," answered Marietta.