SIGNORA FROLA. Oh, he's coming here? Oh, yes, in that case.... Yes, yes, ... I'll go! But there was something I wanted to say to you people. You must stop all this. You must let us alone. You think you are helping me. You are trying to do me a favor; but really, what you're doing is working me a great wrong. I've got to leave town this very day because he must not be aroused. What do you want of him anyway? What are you trying to do to him? Why are you having him come here? Oh, Mr. Governor.... PREFECT. Come, Signora Frola, don't worry, don't worry. I'll see you by and by and explain everything. You just step out now, won't you? AMALIA. Please, Signora Frola ... yes, that's right! Come with me! SIGNORA FROLA. Oh, my dear Signora Agazzi, you are trying to rob me of the one comfort I had in life, the chance of seeing my daughter once in a while, at least from a distance! (_She begins to weep_). PREFECT. What in the world are you thinking of? We are not asking you to leave town. We just want you to leave this room, for the time being. There, now do you understand? SIGNORA FROLA. But it's on his account, governor ... it's on his account I was coming to ask you to help him! It was on his account, not on mine! PREFECT. There, there, everything will be all right. We'll take care of him. And we'll have this whole business settled in a jiffy. SIGNORA FROLA. But how ... how can I be sure? I can see that everybody here hates him. They are trying to do something to him. PREFECT. No, no, not at all! And even if they were, I would look after him. There, there, don't worry, don't worry! SIGNORA FROLA. Oh, so you believe him? Oh, thank you; thank you, sir! That means that at least _you_ understand! PREFECT. Yes, yes, madam, I understand, I understand! And I cautioned all these people here. It's a misfortune that came to him long, long ago. He's all right now! He's all right now! SIGNORA FROLA. ... Only he must not go back to all those things. PREFECT. You're right, you're quite right, Signora Frola, but as I told you, I understand! SIGNORA FROLA. Yes, governor, that's it! If he compels us to live this way--well, what does it matter. That doesn't do anybody any harm so long as we're satisfied, and my daughter is happy this way. That's enough for me, and for her! But you'll look after us, governor. They mustn't spoil anything. Otherwise there's nothing left for, me except to leave town and never see her again--never, not even from a distance. You must not irritate him. You must leave him alone. Oh, please! (_At this moment a wave of surprise, anxiety, dismay, sweeps over the company. Everybody falls silent and turns to the door. Suppressed exclamations are audible._)