"Pardon me, Signora Marchesa, it is really a most important affair. No one knows and no one must know that I have come to see you. I will tell you at once that it concerns your grandson."
The Marchesa rose, and the dog that had been crouching in the armchair also sprang up, barking in Gilardoni's direction.
"Do not speak to me of that person who no longer exists for me," the old lady said solemnly. "Come, Friend!"
"No, Signora Marchesa," the Professor protested. "You cannot possibly imagine what I have to tell you."
"I do not in the least care to know. I do not wish to hear anything. Good-day to you!"
Whereupon the inflexible old lady moved towards the door.
"Marchesa!" Beniamino called after her, while Friend, who had jumped from the chair, barked furiously around his legs. "It concerns your husband's will!"
This time the Marchesa could not but stop. She did not, however, turn round.
"This will cannot be pleasing to you," Gilardoni added rapidly. "But I have no intention of publishing it. I entreat you to listen to me, Marchesa."
She turned round. Her impenetrable face betrayed a certain emotion in the quivering of the nostrils. Nor were the shoulders entirely at rest.