LAUDISI. I was going to suggest that, since the whole matter is closed, you might close the door also. DINA. But papa ... he told us to leave it open. Ponza will be here soon; and if papa finds it closed--well, you know how papa is! LAUDISI. But you can convince him!... You especially. You can show him that there really was no need of going any further. You are convinced yourself, aren't you? DINA. I am as sure of it, as I am that I'm alive! LAUDISI (_putting her to the test with a smile_). Well, close the door then! DINA. I see, you're trying to make me say that I'm not really sure. Well, I won't close the door, but it's just on account of papa. LAUDISI. Shall I close it for you? DINA. If you take the responsibility yourself!... LAUDISI. But you see, _I_ am sure! I _know_ that Ponza is the lunatic! DINA. The thing for you to do is to come into the other room and just hear her talk a while. Then you'll be sure, absolutely sure. Coming? LAUDISI. Yes, I'm coming, and I'll close the door behind me--on my own responsibility, of course. DINA. Ah, I see. So you're convinced even before you hear her talk. LAUDISI. No, dear, it's because I'm sure that your papa, who has been with Ponza, is just as certain as you are that any further investigation is unnecessary. DINA. How can you say that? LAUDISI. Why, of course, if you talk with Ponza, you're sure the old lady is crazy. (_He walks resolutely to the door_). I am going to shut this door. DINA (_restraining him nervously, then hesitating a moment_). Well, why not ... if you're really sure? What do you say--let's leave it open! LAUDISI. Hah! hah! hah! hah! hah! hah! hah! DINA. But just because papa told us to! LAUDISI. And papa will tell you something else by and by. Say ... let's leave it open! (_A piano starts playing in the adjoining room--an ancient lune, full of soft and solemn melody; the "Nina" of Pergolesi_). DINA. Oh, there she is. She's playing! Do you hear? Actually playing the piano! LAUDISI. The old lady? DINA. Yes! And you know? She told us that her daughter used to play this tune, always the same tune. How well she plays! Come! Come! (_They hurry through the door_). _The stage, after the exit of Laudisi and Dina, remains empty for a space of time while the music continues from the other room. Ponza, appearing at the door with Agazzi, catches the concluding notes and his face changes to an expression of deep emotion--an emotion that will develop into a virtual frenzy as the scene proceeds._