SIGNORA CINI. I give up! I give up! If we can't believe even what we see with our eyes and feel with our fingers.... LAUDISI. But you must understand, madam! Of course you can believe what you see with _your_ eyes and feel with _your_ fingers. All I'm saying is that you should show some respect for what other people see with their eyes and feel with their fingers, even though it be the exact opposite of what you see and feel. SIGNORA SIRELLI. The way to answer you is to refuse to talk with you. See, I turn my back on you! I am going to move my chair around and pretend you aren't in the room. Why, you're driving me crazy, crazy! LAUDISI. Oh, I beg your pardon. Don't let me interfere with your party. Please go on! Pray continue your argument about Signora Frola and Signor Ponza--I promise not to interrupt again! AMALIA. You're right for once, Lamberto; and I think it would be even better if you should go into the other room. DINA. Serves you right, Nunky! Into the other room with you, into the other room! LAUDISI. No, I refuse to budge! Fact is, I enjoy hearing you gossip; but I promise not to say anything more, don't fear! At the very most, with your permission, I shall indulge in a laugh or two. SIGNORA SIRELLI. How funny ... and our idea in coming here was to find out.... But really, Amalia, I thought this Ponza man was your husband's secretary at the Provincial building. AMALIA. He is his secretary--in the office. But here at home what authority has Agazzi over the fellow? SIGNORA SIRELLI. Of course! I understand! But may I ask ... haven't you even tried to see Signora Frola, next door? DINA. Tried? I should say we had! Twice, Signora! SIGNORA CINI. Well ... so then ... you have probably talked to her.... DINA. We were not _received_, if you please! SIGNORA SIRELLI, SIRELLI, SIGNORA CINI (_in chorus_). Not received? Why! Why! Why! DINA. This very forenoon! AMALIA. The first time we waited fully fifteen minutes at the door. We rang and rang and rang, and no one came. Why, we weren't even able to leave our cards! So we went back today.... DINA (_throwing up her hands in an expression of horror_). And _he_ came to the door. SIGNORA SIRELLI. Why yes, with that face of his ... you can tell by just looking at the man.... Such a face! Such a face! You can't blame people for talking! And then, with that black suit of his.... Why, they all dress in black. Did you ever notice? Even the old lady! And the man's eyes, too!...