We have tried this together and
failed, but as you rightly say I shall not be in the least ruined by the
failure. Do you know what will happen? My father will tell me that
since I have gained some experience I should go and manage one of the
estates and improve the buildings. Then you and I will go together."
Contini smiled suddenly and his bright eyes sparkled. He was profoundly
attached to Orsino, and thought perhaps as much of the loss of his
companionship as of the destruction of his material hopes in the event
of a liquidation.
"If that could be, I should not care what became of the business," he
said simply.
"How long do you think we shall last?" asked Orsino after a short pause.
"If business grows worse, as I think it will, we shall last until the
first bill that falls due after the doors and windows are put in."
"That is precise, at least."
"It will probably take us into January, or perhaps February."
"But suppose that Del Ferice himself gets into trouble between now and
then.
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