SIRELLI. Oh, we weren't criticising how he runs his house; but I ask you as a matter of common sense: he is a man of some position, and do you think that this second wife of his, as he calls her, who ought to be a lady, would consent to do all the work about the house?... AGAZZI. The hardest and most disagreeable work, you understand.... SIRELLI. ... just out of consideration for the mother of her husband's first wife? AGAZZI. Oh, I say, governor, be honest now! That doesn't seem probable, does it? PREFECT. I confess it does seem queer.... LAUDISI. ... in case this second woman is an ordinary woman! PREFECT. Yes, but let's be frank. It doesn't seem reasonable. But yet, one might say--well, you could explain it as generosity on her part, and even better, as jealousy on his part. Lunatic or no lunatic, there is no denying that he's jealous! (_A confused clamor of voices is heard from the next door_). AGAZZI. My, I wonder what's going on in there! (_Amalia enters from the door on the left in a state of great excitement_). AMALIA. Signora Frola is here! AGAZZI. Impossible! How in the world did she get in? Who sent for her? AMALIA. Nobody! She came of her own accord! PREFECT. Oh, no, please--just a moment! No! Send her away, madam, please! AGAZZI. We've got to get rid of her. Don't let her in here! We must absolutely keep her out! (_Signora Frola appears at the door on the left, trembling, beseeching, weeping, a handkerchief in her hand. The people in the next room are crowding around behind her_). SIGNORA FROLA. Oh, please, please! You tell them, Signor Agazzi! Don't let them send me away! AGAZZI. But you must go away, madam! We simply can't allow you to be here now! SIGNORA FROLA (_desperately_). Why? Why? (_Turning to Amalia_). I appeal to you, Signora Agazzi. AMALIA. But don't you see? The prefect is there! They're having an important meeting. SIGNORA FROLA. Oh, the prefect! Please, governor, please! I was intending to go and see you. PREFECT. No, I am so sorry, madam. I can't see you just now! You must go away! SIGNORA FROLA. Yes, I am going away. I am going to leave town this very day! I am going to leave town and never come back again! AGAZZI. Oh, we didn't mean that, my dear Signora Frola. We meant that we couldn't see you here, just now, in this room. Do me a favor, please! You can see the governor by and by. SIGNORA FROLA. But why? I don't understand! What's happened! AGAZZI. Why, your son-in-law will soon be here! There, now do you see?