Among the men who stood talking to Donna Tullia was the inevitable Del Ferice, a man of whom it might be said that he was never missed, because he was always present. Giovanni disliked Del Ferice without being able to define his aversion. He disliked generally men whom he suspected of duplicity; and he had no reason for supposing that truth, looking into her mirror, would have seen there the image of Ugo's fat pale face and colourless moustache. But if Ugo was a liar, he must have had a good memory, for he never got himself into trouble, and he had the reputation of being a useful member of society, an honour to which persons of doubtful veracity rarely attain. Giovanni, however, disliked him, and suspected him of many things; and although he had intended to go up to Donna Tullia, the sight of Del Ferice at her side very nearly prevented him. 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. I would not inflict my cross temper upon you; therefore I avoided you." Donna Tullia eyed him attentively. When she answered she drew in her small red lips with an air of annoyance. "You look as though you were in bad humour," she answered. "I am sorry I disturbed you. It is better to leave sleeping dogs alone, as the proverb says." "I have not snapped yet," said Giovanni. "I am not dangerous, I assure you." "Oh, I am not in the least afraid of you," replied his companion, with a little scorn. "Do not flatter yourself your little humours frighten me. I suppose you intend to follow?"