Half-an-hour later Giovanni Severi entered the gate below in civilian's dress and asked if he could see Madame Bernard, the French teacher, who had let him know that she was stopping in the palace.

The porter told him to ring at the right-hand door on the second landing, but added that it was doubtful whether any one would let him in, as there was 'confusion in the house.' Madame Bernard was waiting for him, however; he had arrived punctually and she let him in herself.
'Have you heard, Monsieur ?' she asked, before he could speak.

'Do you know what is happening ?' 'Yes,' he answered.

'All Rome knows it by this time, for the story was in the morning papers.

May I see Donna Angela ?' 'Come, Monsieur.' She had fastened the outer door while he was speaking, and she now led the way without any more words.
Angela knew Giovanni's step at a distance, and when he entered she was standing in the middle of the room.