"Yes, signorina, you mentioned one Bartolotti," he remarked, in a more respectful tone.
Natalie hesitated. According to Calabressa's account, the mere mention of the name was to act as a talisman which would work wonders for her. This obese person merely stood there, awaiting what she should say.
"Perhaps," she said, in great embarrassment, "you know one Calabressa?"
"Ah, Calabressa!" he said, and the dull face lighted up with a little more intelligence. "Yes, of course, one knows Calabressa."
"He is a friend of mine," she said. "Perhaps, if I could see him, he would explain to you—"
"But Calabressa is not here; he is not even in this country, perhaps."
Then silence. A sort of terror seized her. Was this the end of all her hopes? Was she to go away thus? Then came a sudden cry, wrung from her despair.
"Oh, sir, you must tell me if there is no one who can help me! I have come to save one who is in trouble, in danger. Calabressa said to me, 'Go to Naples; go to such and such a place; the mere word Bartolotti will give you powerful friends; count on them; they will not fail one who belongs to the Berezolyis.' And now—"
"Your pardon, signorina: have the complaisance to repeat the name."