Paolo. I wanted to in fact, but afterward I thought it better to await until the authorities of the hospital, to whom he left the estate, had verified the accounts. The Syndic came here an hour ago, at the order of the sub-Prefect, to give me the wallet which was found on the body and which our Consul at London had sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I was just putting them away into the desk, when I felt the desire, I don't know why, to look for the reason of his suicide which no one seemed able to explain. [Mario starts.] You know? You suspect the reason?
Mario. I suspected—
Paolo. Suspected! You knew of this love?
Mario. There, there—I will tell you, don't excite yourself!
Paolo. No—answer me! You knew?
Mario. I felt it—yes, that Luciano had lost his head.
Paolo. And you never told me anything?
Mario. What had I to tell you? Seen by others these things appear greater and more offensive than they are. And then I might have been wrong; I only see you and Anna during your short visits to the country. If you, who are with her all the year, did not see anything—On the other hand, Anna was always on her guard, she knew perfectly how to defend herself.
Paolo. Oh, Anna! Anna is a saint! I have always thought of her as one. But now—
Mario. GO on—tell me.