'I went to find out in person.'
'Oh, thank you ever so much, my dear colleague! I am so glad I met you. You have relieved me from a great anxiety. If the Prime Minister were to become seriously ill, just think what confusion! If he were to die, what complications!'
'God forbid!' said Sangiorgio, still smiling.
'Yours to command, my dear colleague: I am delighted; I am infinitely obliged to you. You may count upon me at any time, I assure you; do not spare me. You could not have come to the rescue more opportunely. Good-night, good-night, honourable colleague!'
'Good-night! I hope you will sleep well. The Prime Minister will be better to-morrow.'
'Thank you again, thank you.'
Sangiorgio knocked very gently at No. 15. Fraccareta's voice said 'Come in!' Sangiorgio half opened the door, and said:
'Excuse me, honourable colleagues: I am looking for the Honourable Sangarzia.'
'Here I am—here I am!'
And they went outside together, the black domino with the pinks having scarcely turned her head.