Francesco, having arranged the sheet which covered him, said mildly:
"Come in, Don Pietro."
"God keep you in His guard, your Highness."
"Thank you."
"I am here at the command of your Highness."
"And it seems to me high time that you should be here, since three or four summons have been disregarded."
"I feared to disturb your grave affairs of state, and your Highness's manufactory of porcelain;[32] and then, I think that he who comes in time always comes early, as the proverb says."
"You ought to remember oftener, Don Pietro, that you are my subject; and if you cannot pay more regard to the authority of the head of the family, you ought at least to respect the dignity of the prince. What are you doing? Why do you wander about the room in such a manner? Sit down, and listen to me quietly."
"Don Francesco, I came here upon your word, and because I know that Lent does not come in July, so do not kill me with a sermon——"
"Sit down; I did not summon you on my account, but on your own, and for the sake of your reputation and prosperity."