Serpilli, Bertrando, Geronte (an embalmer). Enter Francesco.
Francesco. The telegraph messenger has just brought these six telegrams.
Ser. Give them to me.
(Francesco gives them, and exits.)
Ser. (opening the telegrams and reading). The Independent Liberal Democratic Association—the syndic—the Association of Watchmakers’ Apprentices—the tribunal—the prefect.... “Unspeakable grief”—“sorrow of the human race”—“words fail.”... (Throws the telegrams on the table.) “In great misfortunes vibrates the heart of great nations.”...
Per. (enters hurriedly). And of all great artists.
Ger. The sculptor Peralti, a dear friend, one of our associates.
Ser. (to Peralti). Have you heard, too?
Per. I have read some twenty or thirty telegrams posted up at the street corners, and have at once hastened here to present to the widow this design for a monument to be erected to her husband.
Ser. Did you have it ready?