Roma sat facing the Princess. She was still confused and preoccupied, but when rallied upon her silence she brightened up for a moment and tried to look buoyant and happy. David Rossi, who was on her left, was still quiet and collected, but bore the same air as before, of a man going through a penance.
This was observed by Don Camillo, who sat on the right of the Princess, and led to various little scenes.
"Very good company here, Mr. Rossi. Always sure of seeing some beautiful young women," said Don Camillo.
"And beautiful young men, apparently," said David Rossi.
The beautiful young man called Lu-lu was there, and reaching over to Don Camillo, and speaking in a whisper between the puff of a cigarette and a sip of coffee, he said:
"Why doesn't the Minister buy the man up? Easy enough to buy the press these days."
"He's doing better than that," said Don Camillo. "He's drawing him from opposition by the allurements of...."
"Office?"
"No, the lady," whispered Don Camillo, but Roma heard him.
She was ashamed. The innuendoes which belittled David Rossi were belittling herself as well, and she wanted to get up and fly.