"No," answered Zorzi, "it is altogether a composition of my own. I do not know how you mix your materials. How should I?"
"I believe you do," said Beroviero. "I believe you have found it out in some way—"
Zorzi had produced a piece of folded paper from his doublet, and now held it up in his hand.
"I am not bargaining with you, sir, for you are a man of honour. Angelo Beroviero will not rob me, after having been kind to me for so many years. This is my secret, which I discovered alone, with no one's help. The quantities are written out very exactly, and I am sure of them. Read what is written there. By an accident, I may have made something like your glass, but I do not believe it."
He held out the paper. Beroviero's manner changed.
"You were always an honourable fellow, Zorzi. I thank you."
He opened the paper and looked attentively at the contents. Marietta saw his surprise and interest and took the opportunity of smiling at Zorzi.
"It is altogether different from mine," said Beroviero, looking up and handing back the document.
"Is there fortune in that, sir, or not?" asked Zorzi, confident of the reply. "But you know that there is, and that whenever I go, if I can get a furnace, I shall soon be a rich man by the glass alone, without even counting on such skill as I have with my hands."
"It is true," answered the master, nodding his head thoughtfully. "There are many princes who would willingly give you the little you need in order to make your fortune."