When Giovanni saw him, he went up to him, and the two men exchanged a formal salutation, while every one stood still for a moment to see the meeting. It was over in a moment, and society gave a little sigh of relief, as though a weight were removed from its mind. Then Del Ferice went to Donna Tullia's side. They were soon alone upon a small sofa in a small room, whither a couple strayed now and then to remain a few minutes before returning to the ball. A few people passed through, but for more than an hour they were not disturbed.
"I am very glad to see you," said Donna Tullia; "but I had hoped that the first time you went out you would have come to my house."
"This is the first time I have been out—you see I should not have found you at home, since I have found you here."
"Are you entirely recovered? You still look ill."
"I am a little weak—but an hour with you will do me more good than all the doctors in the world."
"Thanks," said Donna Tullia, with a little laugh. "It was strange to see you shaking hands with Giovanni Saracinesca just now. I suppose men have to do that sort of thing."
"You may be sure I would not have done it unless it had been necessary," returned Del Ferice, bitterly.
"I should think not. What an arrogant man he is!"
"You no longer like him?" asked Del Fence, innocently.
"Like him! No; I never liked him," replied Donna Tullia, quickly.