"He is in the service of my future father-in-law." "To whom may heaven accord a speedy, painless and Christian death!" laughed Foscari in his black beard.
"Not till I am one of his heirs, if you please," returned Contarini.

"As soon after the wedding day as you like, for besides her rich dowry, the lady is to have a share of his inheritance." "Is she very ugly ?" asked Loredan.

"Poor Jacopo! You have the sympathy of the brethren." "How does he know ?" sneered Mocenigo.

"He has never seen her.

Besides, why should he care, since she is rich ?" "You are mistaken, for I have seen her," said Contarini, looking down the table.