The Duchess of Scerni rose to go.
'Good-bye, Sperelli,' she said.

'I shall see you again this evening--perhaps.' 'Why perhaps ?' 'I do not feel well.' 'What is the matter ?' She turned away without replying, and took leave of the others.

Many of them followed her example and left with her.

The young men were making fun of the 'spectacle manque.' The Marchesa d'Ateleta laughed, but the princess was evidently thoroughly out of temper.

The footmen waiting in the hall called for the carriages as if at the door of a theatre or concert hall.
'Are you not coming on to Laura Miano's ?' Francesca asked the duchess.
'No, I am going home.' She waited on the pavement for her brougham to come up.