'The Cavalcantis; he is a Marquis,' said the door-keeper.
Then the visitors would go off, taking with them a deep impression of people and things that are extinct.
CHAPTER XIX
DON CRESCENZIO'S TRIALS
Coming out of the Finance Department, from the Secretary's room, having got to the lobby, Don Crescenzio staggered and had a singing in his ears.
'Do you feel ill?' asked the usher anxiously, for he knew him.
'No, it is nothing; it is from this first heat of spring,' he stammered. And he brought his hands across his forehead, which was covered with cold drops of sweat. Still, to try to look at ease, he pulled out a cigar and lit it.
'Is business good?' the usher asked the lottery banker, while he was carefully putting out the match.
'Well, just so-so,' said the other, giving a sketchy sort of smile.