Faustina who was in continual dread of fire, shrieked:
'Holy Virgin, help! Fire! Fire!'
'Where? Where?'
The new-comer, much surprised, stood still. His name was Klein, a member of the orchestra, Faustina's great admirer, a friend of the Italians, and an enthusiastic musician.
His Christian name was Johan, Faustina changed it into Giovanni and called him Piccolo.
'Piccolo! are you mad? What is the matter with you?' she cried.
'The King is dead! King Augustus the Strong died in Warsaw.'
At this, Faustina screamed piercingly, covering her face with her hands; the rest stood silent. Klein left the door open and the actors began to crowd in. The great majority of them were already half dressed for the performance of 'Cleophila.' Abbuzzi rushed in with naked bosom. Her beauty was striking even when compared with Faustina; only she was small and still more lively.
Catherine Piluga, with a crowd of Italians and French, half dressed, with frightened faces, followed Abbuzzi. All pressed round Faustina exclaiming in all possible voices: 'Il re è morto!' Their faces expressed more fear than sorrow. Faustina alone was silent, and did not seem much afraid of the news. All looked at her hoping that she would speak, but she would not betray her thoughts.
The bells resounded throughout the whole city.