"Excellency," and the sound of further shuffling, but no Jacopo. I lost patience at this, and fearing at the same time that there had been trouble, repeated my order to come in sharply. This had the desired effect; but as soon as my henchman appeared in view I made certain there had been a brawl. He was very red in the face, and from under the helmet he wore I could see a white bandage.
"What the devil does this mean, Jacopo?" I asked sternly.
"I have come to report, excellency."
"You hardly appear in a fit state to do so."
"Perfectly fit, excellency," and Jacopo drew himself up to attention and saluted.
"Is the matter of importance? For if not, you had better come to-morrow."
"Yes, your excellency--matter of importance. By your worship's leave, as you are aware, I gave a dinner to-day, and we had----"
"Never mind what you had; to the point."
"Boiled meat with sause, sausages with garlic, a risotto alla Milanese----"
"I do not care what you had, go on fool."