The conversation had begun to languish when the Princess Bellini arrived, and then suddenly it became lively and general.
"I'm late, but do you know, my dear," she said, kissing Roma on both cheeks, "I've been nearly torn to pieces in coming. My carriage had to plough its way through crowds of people."
"Crowds?"
"Yes, indeed, and the streets are nearly impassable. Another demonstration, I suppose! The poor must always be demonstrating."
"Ah! yes," said Don Camillo. "Haven't you heard the news, Roma?"
"I've been working all night and all day, and I have heard nothing," said Roma.
"Well, to prevent a recurrence of the disgraceful scene of yesterday, the King has promulgated the Public Security Act by royal decree, and the wonderful crisis is at an end."
"And now?"
"Now the Prime Minister is master of the situation, and has begun by proclaiming the mass meeting which was to have been held in the Coliseum."
"Good thing too," said Count Mario. "We've heard enough of liberal institutions lately."