He strolled leisurely down the little slope, and as he neared the crowd, spoke to one or two acquaintances, mentally determining to avoid Madame Mayer, and to mount immediately.

But he was disappointed in his intention.

As he stood for a moment beside the carriage of the Marchesa Rocca, exchanging a few words with her, and looking with some interest at her daughter, the little Rocca girl whom his father had proposed as a possible wife for him, he forgot his proximity to the lady he wished to avoid; and when, a few seconds later, he proceeded in the direction of his horse, Madame Mayer stepped forward from the knot of her admirers and tapped him familiarly upon the shoulder with the handle of her parasol.
"So you were not going to speak to me to-day ?" she said rather roughly, after her manner.
Giovanni turned sharply and faced her, bowing low.

Donna Tullia laughed.
"Is there anything so amazingly ridiculous in my appearance ?" he asked.
"_Altro_! when you make that tremendous salute--" "It was intended to convey an apology as well as a greeting," answered Don Giovanni, politely.
"I would like more apology and less greeting." "I am ready to apologise--" "Humbly, without defending yourself," said Donna Tullia, beginning to walk slowly forward.

Giovanni was obliged to follow her.
"My defence is, nevertheless, a very good one," he said.
"Well, if it is really good, I may listen to it; but you will not make me believe that you intended to behave properly." "I am in a very bad humour.