"Does it strike you that you were exceedingly rude in not letting me know that you were going out of town when you had promised to dance with me at the Valdarno ball ?" She curled her small lip and showed her sharp white teeth.

Giovanni was a man of the world, however, and was equal to the occasion.
"I apologise most humbly," he said.

"It was indeed very rude; but in the urgency of the case, I forgot all other engagements.

I really beg your pardon.

Will you honour me with a dance this evening ?" "I have every dance engaged," answered Madame Mayer, coldly staring at him.
"I am very sorry," said Giovanni, inwardly thanking heaven for his good fortune, and wishing she would go away.
"Wait a moment," said Donna Tullia, judging that she had produced the desired effect upon him.