SIRELLI. But man alive, if they both say the exact opposite of each other!... AGAZZI (_angrily and with heat_). Listen to me, governor, please. I am prejudiced neither in favor of the old lady nor in favor of Ponza. I recognize that he may be right and that she may be right. But we ought to settle the matter, and there is only one way to do it. SIRELLI. The way that Laudisi here suggested. PREFECT. He suggested it? That's interesting? What is it? AGAZZI. Since we haven't been able to get any positive proof, there is only one thing left. You, as Ponza's final superior, as the man who can fire him if need be, can obtain a statement from his wife. PREFECT. Make his wife talk, you mean? SIRELLI. But not in the presence of her husband, you understand. AGAZZI. Yes, making sure she tells the truth! SIRELLI. ... tell whether she's the daughter of Signora Frola, that is, as we think she must be.... AGAZZI. ... or a second wife who is consenting to impersonate the daughter of Signora Frola, as Ponza claims. PREFECT. ... and as I believe myself, without a shadow of doubt! (_Thinking a moment_) Why, I don't see any objection to having her talk. Who could object? Ponza? But Ponza, as I know very well, is more eager than anybody else to have this talk quieted down. He's all upset over this whole business, and said he was willing to do anything I proposed. I'm sure he will raise no objection. So if it will ease the minds of you people here.... Say, Centuri (_the police commissioner rises_), won't you just ask Ponza to step in here a moment? He's next door with his mother-in-law. COMMISSIONER. At once, Your Excellency! (_He bows and withdraws through the door at the rear_). AGAZZI. Oh well, if he consents.... PREFECT. He'll consent, all right. And we'll be through with it in a jiffy. We'll bring her right in here so that you people.... AGAZZI. Here, in my house? SIRELLI. You think he'll let his wife come in here? PREFECT. Just leave it to me, just leave it to me! I prefer to have her right here because, otherwise you see, you people would always suppose that I and Ponza had.... AGAZZI. Oh, please, governor, no! That's not fair! SIRELLI. Oh, no, governor, we trust you implicitly! PREFECT. Oh, I'm not offended, not at all! But you know very well that I'm on his side in this matter; and you'd always be thinking that to hush up any possible scandal in connection with a man in my office.... No, you see. I must insist on having the interview here.... Where's your wife, Agazzi? AGAZZI. In the other room, governor, with some other ladies. PREFECT. Other ladies? Aha, I see! (_Laughing_). You have a regular detective bureau here, eh? (_The police commissioner enters with Ponza_).