Gerard, on the contrary, was reconciled to leaving Margaret only by his desire to visit Italy, and his strong conviction that there he should earn money and reputation, and remove every obstacle to their marriage.

He had already told her all that the demoiselle Van Eyck had said to him.

He repeated it, and reminded Margaret that the gold pieces were only given him to go to Italy with.

The journey was clearly for Gerard's interest.

He was a craftsman and an artist, lost in this boorish place.