"Of course I am," said Donna Tullia impatiently. She was beginning to regret that she had made him get into her carriage.
"Precisely; of course you are. Now, so soon as Giovanni is quite recovered, I will send him to explain his conduct to you if he can, or to—"
"Explain it? How can he explain it? I do not want you to send him, if he will not come of his own accord. Why should I?"
"Well, well, as you please, my dear cousin," said old Saracinesca, smiling to cover his perplexity. "I am not a good ambassador; but you know I am a good friend, and I really want to do something to restore Giovanni to your graces."
"That will be difficult," answered Donna Tullia, although she knew very well that she would receive Giovanni kindly enough when she had once had an opportunity of speaking her mind to him.
"Do not be hard-hearted," urged the Prince. "I am sure he is very penitent."
"Then let him say so."
"That is exactly what I ask."
"Is it? Oh, very well. If he chooses to call I will receive him, since you desire it. Where shall I put you down?"
"Anywhere, thank you. Here, if you wish—at the corner. Good-bye. Do not be too hard on the boy."