Paolo. Look out. If—no, no, go—go—we shall see afterwards. [Mario exits. Paolo takes a letter from the wallet, reads it attentively, accentuating the words.] "You write me that if I do not respond you will return immediately." [Speaks.] You write me! Where is that letter? [Reads.] "I love my husband, that is my response. This and only this forever. I beg you not to torment me." [Speaks.] I beg you not to torment me. Ummm!
Maddalena. Here I am.
Paolo. I do not want you. It is not necessary now. If I need you I will call you.
Maddalena. Excuse me, Mr. Paolo, is it true what they say in the village?
Paolo. What?
Maddalena. That the Syndic brought the wallet of Mr. Luciano this morning with a lot of money in it for the poor!
Paolo. Why—no.
Maddalena. The servant of the Syndic said so just now at the wash-house.
Paolo. There was nothing in it, the Syndic also knows that.
Maddalena. Oh, it would not have been a surprise. Mr. Luciano came here rarely, but when he did he spent.