SIGNORA FROLA. Yes, but he doesn't really believe it, you know; and he hasn't for a long time, I am sure. But he seems to feel a need for maintaining the pretense. He can't do without it. He feels surer of himself that way. He is seized with a terrible fear, from time to time, that this little wife he loves may be taken from him again. (_Smiling and in a low, confidential tone_): So he keeps her locked up at home where he can have her all for himself. But he worships her--he worships her; and I am really quite convinced that my daughter is one of the happiest women in the world. (_She gets up_). And now I must be going. You see, my son-in-law is in a terrible state of mind at present. I wouldn't like to have him call, and find me not at home. (_With a sigh, and gesturing with her joined hands_): Well, I suppose we must get along as best we can; but it is hard on my poor girl. She has to pretend all along that she is not herself, but another, his second wife; and I ... oh, as for me, I have to pretend that I am a lunatic when he's around, my dear friends; but I'm glad to, I'm glad to, really, so long as it does him some good. (_The ladies rise as she steps nearer to the door_). No, no, don't let me interrupt your party. I know the way out! Good afternoon! Good afternoon! (_Bowing and smiling, she goes out through the rear door. The others stands there in silence, looking at each other with blank astonishment on their faces_). LAUDISI (_coming forward_). So you want the truth, eh? The truth! The truth! Hah! hah! hah! hah! hah! hah! hah! _Curtain._ ACT II _Councillor Agazzi's study in the same house. Antique furnishings with old paintings on the walls. A portière over the rear entrance and over the door to the left which opens into the drawing room shown in the first act. To the right a substantial fireplace with a big mirror above the mantel. A flat top desk with a telephone. A sofa, armchairs, straight back chairs, etc._ _As the curtain rises Agazzi is shown standing beside his desk with the telephone receiver pressed to his ear. Laudisi end Sirelli sit looking at him expectantly._ AGAZZI. Yes, I want Centuri. Hello ... hello ... Centuri? Yes, Agazzi speaking. That you, Centuri? It's me, Agazzi. Well? (_He listens for some time_). What's that? Really? (_Again he listens at length_). I understand, but you might go at the matter with a little more speed.... (_Another long pause_). Well, I give up! How can that possibly be? (_A pause_). Oh, I see, I see.... (_Another pause_). Well, never mind, I'll look into it myself. Goodbye, Centuri, goodbye! (_He lays down the receiver and steps forward on the stage_). SIRELLI (_eagerly_). Well? AGAZZI. Nothing! Absolutely nothing!