"And as I cannot suppose that you did not know what you were saying, still less that you intentionally told an untruth, I really cannot see why you should suggest bringing a mason here to search for what must be in your own keeping." Zorzi spoke with a quiet smile, for he felt that he had the best of it.
Be was surprised when Giovanni broke into a peal of rather affected laughter.
"You are hard to catch!" he cried, and laughed again.

"You did not really suppose that I was in earnest?
Why, every one knows that you have the manuscript here." "Then I suppose you spoke ironically," suggested Zorzi.
"Of course, of course! A mere jest! If I had known that you would take it so literally--" he stopped short.
"Pray excuse me, sir.

It is the first time I have ever heard you say anything playful." "Indeed! The fact is, my dear Zorzi, I never knew you well enough to jest with you, till to-day.

Paolo Godi's secrets in my keeping?
I wish they were! Oh, not that anything would induce me to break the seals.

I told you that.