“Will you not listen to me—for your own good?” he urged earnestly.
“I do not think that sentiment need enter into it,” I replied. “I have purchased the book, and intend to retain it in my possession.”
“Very well,” he sighed. “I have warned you. One day, perhaps, you will know that at least Bernardo Landini acted as your friend.”
“But I cannot understand why you wish me to give you back the book,” I argued. “You must have some motive?”
“Certainly I have,” was his frank response. “I do not wish you to be its possessor.”
“You admit that the volume is precious, therefore of value. Yet you wish to withdraw from a bad bargain!”
His lips pursed themselves for a moment, and a look of mingled regret and annoyance crossed his huge face.
“I admit the first, but deny the second. The bargain is a good one for me, but a bad one for you.”
“Very well,” I replied with self-satisfaction. “I will abide by it.”
“You refuse to hear reason?”