"_Epermesso_?" said a soft sweet voice, "_se puo entrare_?" and Signora Mirandolina Rocca advanced into the room, giving one look at the Senator, and then casting down her eyes.
"_Umilissia serva di Lei, Signore, mi commandi_."
But the Senator was in a quandary. What could he do? How begin? What gesture would be the most fitting for a beginning?
The pause began to be embarrassing. The lady, however, as yet was calm--calmer, in fact, than when she entered.
So she spoke once more.
"_Di che ha Ella bisogna, Illustris simo_?"
The Senator was dreadfully embarrassed. The lady was so fair in his eyes. Was this a woman who could contemplate the fact of soiled linen? Never.
"Ehem!" said he.
Then he paused.
"_Servo, devota_," said Signora Mirandolina. "_Che c'e, Signore_."