"Signore," he said. "You know my padrone! Tell them—"
But the Pretore interrupted him with an air of importance.
"It is my duty to make an inquiry," he said. "Who is this signore?"
Artois explained that he was an intimate friend of the signora and had known her husband before his marriage.
"I have come to hear if you are satisfied, as no doubt you are, Signor Pretore," he said, "that this terrible death was caused by an accident. The poor signora naturally wishes that this necessary business should be finished as soon as possible. It is unavoidable, I know, but it can only add to her unhappiness. I am sure, signore, that you will do your best to conclude the inquiry without delay. Forgive me for saying this. But I know Sicily, and know that I can always rely on the chivalry of Sicilian gentlemen where an unhappy lady is concerned."
He spoke intentionally with a certain pomp, and held his hat in his hand while he was speaking.
The Pretore looked pleased and flattered.
"Certainly, Signor Barone," he said. "Certainly. We all grieve for the poor signora."
"You will allow me to stay?" said Artois.
"I see no objection," said the Pretore.