He guessed, however, that Donna Tullia was not so much concerned in it as the Duchessa d'Astrardente.
"Your son was very rude to me," said Madame Mayer.

"Perhaps I ought not to tell you, but it is best you should know.

He was engaged to dance with me the last waltz but one before the cotillon.

He forgot me, and I found him with that--with a lady--talking quietly." "With whom did you say ?" asked Saracinesca, very gravely.
"With the Astrardente--if you will know," returned Donna Tullia, her anger at the memory of the insult bringing the blood suddenly to her face.
"My dear lady," said the old Prince, "in the name of my son I offer you the humble apologies which he will make in person when he is well enough to ask your forgiveness." "I do not want apologies," answered Madame Mayer, turning her face away.
"Nevertheless they shall be offered.

But, pardon my curiosity, how did Del Ferice come to be concerned in that incident ?" "He was with me when I found Don Giovanni with the Duchessa.