"I have heard something." "Among the women ?" "Yes, and the men." "But the men do not concern you ?" "No, signore.

Except that the women twist them." Agostino chuckled audibly.

The Chief resumed: "You believe, notwithstanding, that all will go well?
The opera will be acted; and you will appear in it ?" "Yes, signore.

I know one who has determined on it, and can do it." "Good.

The opera is Camilla ?" She was answering with an affirmative, when Agostino broke in,--"Camilla! And honour to whom honour is due! Let Caesar claim the writing of the libretto, if it be Caesar's! It has passed the censorship, signed Agostino Balderini--a disaffected person out of Piedmont, rendered tame and fangless by a rigorous imprisonment.