She thought that in telling him she had no dances she had given him a little wholesome punishment, and that in giving one after all she had conferred a favour upon him.

She also believed that she had annoyed Del Ferice, which, always amused her.

But Del Ferice was more than a match for her, with his quiet ways and smooth tongue.
They went into the ball-room together and danced a few minutes.

When the music ceased, Ugo excused himself on the plea that he was engaged for the quadrille that followed.

He at once set out in search of the Duchessa d'Astrardente, and did not lose sight of her again.