thee in real things. But whether it be great or small, or good or ill,
thou always wilt have thy way!"

"It's a poor fool of a fellow that wouldn't keep himself uppermost, like
oil," he cried, hesitating only for a moment between anger and
gratification, and choosing the way that ministered to his pride. "Santa
Maria! I'll butter thy macaroni with fine cheese every time!"

"Nay, spare thy pains, Piero, and be serious for one moment. There is no
_barcariol_ in all Venice who hath greater opportunities, but thou must
use them well. They spoil thee at the traghetto; and if a man hath his
will always, it will either spoil him or make him noble."

"What wouldst thou have me to do?" he questioned sullenly.

"They would be afraid of thee--thou couldst quiet these troubles in the
traghetti--thou must use thy strength and thy will for the good of the
people. It is terrible to have power and to use it wrongly."

Piero moved back to his place again and took up his oar, throwing
himself in position for a forward stroke. "Forget not," he said,
poising, "that I need not listen to thee if I do not choose. I may not
stay _in casa_ Magagnati--not any more, if thou art always scolding."

"I shall scold--always--until thou dost quiet this disorder of the
traghetti," she answered, undaunted.

"And thou wilt return; for there is always the bambino."

"If I come back," he said in a softer tone, responding to the appeal for