'Yes—yes—yes,' she sang on three musical notes.
Francesco returned to the table, where he resumed his work. She hazarded a step to the threshold of his bedroom, and cast a glance inside.
'Franz,' said she, 'you did not come to the Valle last night.'
'There was the Budget Committee up till eleven. Afterwards I was too tired.'
'A number of people came to see me in my box—Giustini, for instance. How do you come to be so intimate with him?'
'He is useful to me,' he answered simply, without looking up.
'He speaks ill of you.'
'I hope so.'
'To be sure, he never praises anyone but mediocrities. You will become a great statesman, Franz!'
'Oh, that will take a long time,' he replied tranquilly, noting down some figures on a small piece of paper.