Chapter 2

_A typefounder's in Italy, where they make the macaroni letters for the consommé._

_Gulielmo_ (_sorting the O's_). One million, three hundred and eighty-seven thousand, six hundred and forty-five. There are two missing, Maria.

_Maria_ (_nervously_). Perhaps you counted wrong, Gulielmo.

_Gulielmo_ (_scornfully_). Counted wrong! And me the best macaroni sorter in Italy! Now. let's get the "E's" together. (_After a pause_) Two million, four hundred and five thousand, two hundred and ninety seven. _Corpo di Bacco!_ There are two "E's" 'missing'!

_Maria._ Don't you remember there was one "E" the reader wouldn't pass?

_Gulielmo_ (_suspiciously_). I made another to take its place. There's some devilry in this. Maria, girl, what are you hiding from me?

_Maria_ (_confused_). Oh, Gulielmo, I didn't want you to know.

[_She takes a handful of letters from her lap and gives them shyly to him._

_Gulielmo_ (_sorting them_). Two "O's," two "E's," two "L's----" What's all this?

_Maria_ (_overcome_). Oh!

_Gulielmo._ "I LOVE GULIELMO."

(_Ecstatically_). Maria! You love me?

[_She falls into his arms._