The opportunity which Giovanni sought of being alone with Corona was long in coming.

Sister Gabrielle retired immediately after dinner, and the Duchessa was left alone with the two men.

Old Saracinesca would gladly have left his son with the hostess, but the thing was evidently impossible.

The manners of the time would not allow it, and the result was that the Prince spent the evening in making conversation for two rather indifferent listeners.

He tried to pick a friendly quarrel with Giovanni, but the latter was too absent-minded even to be annoyed; he tried to excite the Duchessa's interest, but she only smiled gently, making a remark from time to time which was conspicuous for its irrelevancy.