AGAZZI. That's not so! When you came here after your mother-in-law's first visit and told us that she was insane, all of us ... well, we were surprised, but we believed you. (_Turning to the prefect_): But after he left, you understand, the old lady came back.... PREFECT. Yes, yes, I know. He told me. (_Turning to Ponza again_). She came back here and said that she was trying to do with you exactly what you say you were trying to do with her. It's natural, isn't it, that people hearing both stories, should be somewhat confused. Now you see that these good people, in view of what your mother-in-law says, can't possibly be sure of what you say. So there you are. Now, such being the case, you and your mother-in-law--why, it's perfectly simple--you two just step aside. Now you know you're telling the truth, don't you? So do I! So you can't possibly object to their hearing the testimony of the only person who does know, aside from you two. PONZA. And who may that be, pray? PREFECT. Why, your wife! PONZA. My wife! (_Decisively and angrily_). Ah, no! I refuse! Never in the world! Never! PREFECT. And why not, old man? PONZA. Bring my wife here to satisfy the curiosity of these strangers? PREFECT (_sharply_). And my curiosity, too, if you don't mind! What objection can you have? PONZA. Oh, but governor, no! My wife! Here? No! Why drag my wife in? These people ought to believe me! PREFECT. But don't you see, my dear fellow, that the course you're taking now is just calculated to discredit what you say? AGAZZI. His mistake in the first place, governor, was trying to prevent his mother-in-law from coming here and calling--a double discourtesy, mark you, to my wife and to my daughter! PONZA. But what in the name of God do you people want of me? You've been nagging and nagging at that poor old woman next door; and now you want to get your clutches on my wife! No, governor! I refuse to submit to such an indignity! She owes nothing to anybody. My wife is not making visits in this town. You say you believe me, governor? That's enough for me! Here's my resignation! I'll go out and look for another job! PREFECT. No, no, Ponza, I must speak plainly. In the first place I have always treated you on the square; and you have no right to speak in that tone of voice to me. In the second place you are beginning to make me doubt your word by refusing to furnish me--not other people--but me, the evidence that I have asked for in your interest, evidence, moreover, that so far as I can see, cannot possibly do you any harm. It seems to me that my colleague here, Signor Agazzi, can ask a lady to come to his house! But no, if you prefer, we'll go and see her. PONZA. So you really insist, governor?