Niccolo Loredan

I knocked on another man's door past closing hour. The price was a jar of lacquer; there was one condition, and I will not write it here.

• Gia VendraminA jar of lacquer, to buy something that won't come off? For that price, my workshop wouldn't even open its door.
  Niccolo LoredanI hear the Vendramin workshop makes nothing but things that peel away.
  Gia VendraminSuch fine words, young master. Yet that fine mouth never comes to haggle.
• Taddeo BragadinThe order goes in the ledger. Even without a name.
  Niccolo LoredanNo name, nothing to write, then. Convenient for you.

One string took me an hour to untie. In the end, I never did.

• Maddalena CornerYoung master, have you eaten?
  Niccolo LoredanNurse. Do not call me that here.
  Maddalena CornerThen what shall I call you, my lord.
• Renzo PadovaniIt's the angle's fault. Tilt the mirror half a span, and the hand undoes it on its own.