Giovanni himself sent twice in the course of the day to inquire after his antagonist, and received by his servant the answer which was given to everybody.

By the time the early winter night was descending upon Rome, there were two perfectly well-authenticated stories circulated in regard to the cause of the quarrel--neither of which, of course, contained a grain of truth.

In the first place, it was confidently asserted by one party, represented by Valdarno and his set, that Giovanni had taken offence at Del Ferice for having proposed to call him to be examined before the Duchessa d'Astrardente in regard to his absence from town: that this was a palpable excuse for picking a quarrel, because it was well known that Saracinesca loved the Astrardente, and that Del Ferice was always in his way.
"Giovanni is a rough fellow," remarked Valdarno, "and will not stand any opposition, so he took the first opportunity of getting the man out of the way.

Do you see?
The old story--jealous of the wrong man.

Can one be jealous of Del Ferice?
Bah!" "And who would have been the right man to attack ?" was asked.
"Her husband, of course," returned Valdarno with a sneer.