The fact that Francis was a foreigner had been the sole obstacle which had presented itself to him, in associating him with his business, for it would prevent Francis from trading personally with any of the countries in which Venetian citizens enjoyed special advantages.
Francis was immensely gratified, when he heard from the merchant of the honour to be conferred upon him.

It was of all others the reward he would have selected, had a free choice been given him, but it was so great and unusual an honour, that he could indeed scarcely credit it when the merchant told him the result of his interviews with the council.

The difficulty which his being a foreigner would throw in the way of his career as a merchant in Eastern waters, had been frequently in his mind, and would, he foresaw, greatly lessen his usefulness, but that he should be able to obtain naturalization, without renouncing his allegiance to England, he had never even hoped.
"It is a very high honour, doubtless," Polani said, "but no whit higher than you deserve.

Besides, after all, it costs Venice nothing, and money is scarce at present.

At any rate, I can congratulate myself as well as you, for I foresaw many difficulties in our way.