AGAZZI (_with a bow and taking her hand_). A great pleasure, madam! (_Then turning to his wife and daughter in a mysterious voice_): I have come back from the office to give you some real news! Signora Frola will be here shortly. SIGNORA SIRELLI (_clapping her hands delightedly_). Oh, the mother-in-law! She is coming? Really? Coming here? SIRELLI (_going over to Agazzi and pressing his hand warmly as an expression of admiration_). That's the talk, old man, that's the talk! What's needed here is some show of authority. AGAZZI. Why I had to, you see, I had to!... I can't let a man treat my wife and daughter that way!... SIRELLI. I should say not! I was just expressing myself to that effect right here. SIGNORA SIRELLI. And it would have been entirely proper to inform the prefect also.... AGAZZI (_anticipating_). ... of all the talk that is going around on this fine gentleman's account? Oh, leave that to me! I didn't miss the opportunity. SIRELLI. Fine! Fine! SIGNORA CINI. And such talk! AMALIA. For my part, I never heard of such a thing. Why, do you know, he has them both under lock and key! DINA. No, mama, we are not _quite_ sure of that. We are not _quite_ sure about the old lady, yet. AMALIA. Well, we know it about his wife, anyway. SIRELLI. And what did the prefect have to say? AGAZZI. Oh the prefect ... well, the prefect ... he was very much impressed, _very_ much impressed, with what I had to say. SIRELLI. I should hope so! AGAZZI. You see, some of the talk had reached his ears already. And he agrees that it is better, as a matter of his own official prestige, for all this mystery in connection with one of his assistants to be cleared up, so that once and for all we shall know the truth. LAUDISI. Hah, hah, hah, hah, hah, hah, hah! AMALIA. That is Lamberto's usual contribution. He laughs! AGAZZI. And what is there to laugh about? SIGNORA SIRELLI. Why he says that no one can ever know the truth. (_The butler appears at the door in back set_). THE BUTLER. Excuse me, Signora Frola! SIRELLI. Ah, here she is now! AGAZZI. Now we'll see if we can settle it! SIGNORA SIRELLI. Splendid! Oh, I am so glad I came. AMALIA (_rising_). Shall we have her come in? AGAZZI. Wait, you keep your seat, Amalia! Let's have her come right in here. (_Turning to the butler_). Show her in! _Exit butler._ _A moment later all rise as Signora Frola enters, and Amalia steps forward, holding out her hand in greeting._ SIGNORA FROLA _is a slight, modestly but neatly dressed old lady, very eager to talk and apparently fond of people. There is a world of sadness in her eyes, tempered however, by a gentle smile that is constantly playing about her lips._