'I wish you a steady hand, Honourable Sangiorgio,' added Scalatelli.
'Do not look at him if you believe in the evil-eye,' advised Berna.
But from the middle of the room the enormous Paula, with sudden familiarity, shouted out while he laughed:
'Good-bye, Sangiorgio, and I tell you what: aim at his face!'
He understood that they all went away doubtful about the issue. He left two minutes later. At the door he met a reporter of a morning paper, who asked him for news.
'Nothing yet,' was his answer.
'In case—well, in case of—may I come to your house to-morrow for information?' persisted the beardless youth with the boyish manner.
'Angelo Custode, 50,' said the other, moving off.
At the Caffè di Roma the Speaker was finishing dinner with his friend, Colonel Freitag, a large man of childish mien, of high-pitched, reedy voice. The Speaker had the worn-out appearance of an individual resting from some unprofitable labour. As soon as Sangiorgio accosted him he went straight to the point:
'Cannot this ugly business be mended, honourable colleague?'