"What would you have? Look at my position! A great name, as ancient as history, and no income. A gorgeous palace, as old as the pyramids, and no cook!"
"Don't be so conceited about your poverty, Gi-gi," said Roma. "Some of the Roman ladies are as poor as the men. As for me, Madame Sella could sell up every stick in my house to-morrow, and if the Municipality should throw up my fountain...."
"Senator Palomba," said Felice's sepulchral voice from the door.
The suave, oily little Mayor came in, twinkling his eyes and saying:
"Did I hear my name as I entered?"
"I was saying," said Roma, "that if the Municipality should throw up my fountain...."
The little man made an amusing gesture, and the constrained silence was broken by some awkward laughter.
"Roma," said the testy voice of the Countess, "I think I've done my duty by you, and now the Baron will take me back. Natalina! Where's Natalina?"
But half-a-dozen hands took hold of the invalid chair, and the Baron followed it into the bedroom.
"Wonderful man!" "Wonderful!" whispered various voices as the Minister's smile disappeared through the door.