"No reason whatever," said Giovanni, with unusual mildness.
"Of course not. There is never any reason in anything you say, you unreasonable boy."
"Never, of course." Giovanni rose to go, biting his lips to keep down a laugh.
"What the devil do you mean by always agreeing with me, you impertinent scapegrace? And you are laughing, too—laughing at me, sir, as I live! Upon my word!"
Giovanni turned his back and lighted a cigar. Then, without looking round, he walked towards the door.
"Giovannino," called the Prince.
"Well?"
"I feel better now. I wanted to abuse somebody. Look here—wait a moment." He rose quickly, and left the room.
Giovanni sat down and smoked rather impatiently, looking at his watch from time to time. In five minutes his father returned, bringing in his hand an old red morocco case.
"Give it to her with my compliments, my boy," he said. "They are some of your mother's diamonds—just a few of them. She shall have the rest on the wedding-day."