"You would say that their attitude is threatening?"
"Distinctly threatening, your Excellency."
"Let your delegates give the legal warning and say that the gathering of great mobs at this hour will be regarded as open rebellion. Allow three minutes' grace for the sake of the women and children, and then ... let the military do their duty."
"After that you may carry out the instructions I gave you yesterday."
"Certainly, your Excellency."
"Keep in touch with all the leaders. Some of them will find that the air of Rome is a little dangerous to their health to-night, and may wish to fly to Switzerland or England, where it would be impossible to follow them."
Roma heard behind her the thin cackle as of a hen over her nest, which always came when Angelelli laughed.
"Their meeting itself was illegal, and our license has been abused."
"Grossly abused, your Excellency."