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