"What's the trouble with Salvatore?" they all asked.
"He is crazy," Romano answered. They understood something had gone wrong between the two, so the talk was switched on the war.
Rosita came and turned pale when she did not see the young man. The absence of his hat and cane caused the girl despair.
Said the banker to Romano at parting:
"If it's a question of a few dollars more a week, I would advise you——"
"Nothing of the kind, banchiere. Money means nothing to me. I have ideals, high ideals, which this impudent——Think of that! To dare sneer at Rossini! Il grande maestro! The compositore of the 'Barbiere de Sevilla,' and many another capo d'opera. He will have to apologize, or I never want to see him again!"
"Yes, yes," the banker insisted—"youth is impudent, but Salvatore's razor hand and his voice bring business."
"It means nothing to me. He will have to apologize if he wants to work in my shop."
The next day, Saturday, the two artists were too busy to talk music. Fire hung between them. Rosita came in early, all flushed, and sent Salvatore a meaning-full glance. Romano ordered her out very gruffly. Salvatore was mad with anger. How dare this Rossini fanatic speak to Rosita, to his beautiful Rosita, in such a way!
She did not return the whole day.