SIGNORA FROLA. Selfishness? Perhaps! But a selfishness, after all, which offers itself wholly in sacrifice. A case where the selfish person gives all he has in the world to the one he loves. Perhaps it would be fairer to call me selfish; for selfish it surely is for me to be always trying to break into this closed world of theirs, break in by force if necessary; when I know that my daughter is really so happy, so passionately adored--you ladies understand, don't you? A true mother should be satisfied when she knows her daughter is happy, oughtn't she? Besides I'm not completely separated from my daughter, am I? I see her and I speak to her (_She assumes a more confidential tone_). You see, when she lets down the basket there in the courtyard I always find a letter in it--a short note, which keeps me posted on the news of the day; and I put in a little letter that I have written. That is some consolation, a great consolation indeed, and now, in course of time, I've grown used to it. I am resigned, there! Resignation, that's it! And I've ceased really to suffer from it at all. AMALIA. Oh well then, after all, if you people are satisfied, why should.... SIGNORA FROLA (_rising_). Oh yes, yes! But, remember, I told you he is such a good man! Believe me, he couldn't be better, really! We all have our weaknesses in this world, haven't we! And we get along best by having a little charity, a little indulgence, for one another. (_She holds out her hand to Amalia_). Thank you for calling, madam. (_She bows to Signora Sirelli, Signora Cini, and Dina; then turning to Agazzi, she continues_): And I do hope you have forgiven me! AGAZZI. Oh, my dear madam, please, please! And we are extremely grateful for your having come to call on us. SIGNORA FROLA (_offering her hand to Sirelli and Laudisi and again turning to Amalia who has risen to show her out_). Oh no, please, Signora Agazzi, please stay here with your friends! Don't put yourself to any trouble! AMALIA. No, no, I will go with you; and believe me, we were very, very glad to see you! (_Exit Signora Frola with Amalia showing her the way. Amalia returns immediately_). SIRELLI. Well, there you have the story, ladies and gentlemen! Are you satisfied with the explanation? AGAZZI. An explanation, you call it? So far as I can see she has explained nothing. I tell you there is some big mystery in all this business. SIGNORA SIRELLI. That poor woman! Who knows what torment she must be suffering? DINA. And to think of that poor girl! SIGNORA CINI. She could hardly keep in her tears as she talked. AMALIA. Yes, and did you notice when I mentioned all those stairs she would have to climb before really being able to see her daughter?