“Yes,” I said. “Come in early.” He made a face and went out the door. The major was standing with us. “He’s very tired and overworked,” he said. “He thinks too he has syphilis. I don’t believe it but he may have. He is treating himself for it. Good night. You will leave before daylight, Enrico?”
“Yes.”
“Goodbye then,” he said. “Good luck. Peduzzi will wake you and go with you.”
“Goodbye, Signor Maggiore .”
“Goodbye. They talk about an Austrian offensive but I don’t believe it. I hope not. But anyway it won’t be here. Gino will tell you everything. The telephone works well now.”
“I’ll call regularly.”
“Please do. Good night. Don’t let Rinaldi drink so much brandy.”
“I’ll try not to.”
“Good night, priest.”
“Good night, Signor Maggiore .”
He went off into his office.