Nothing more was necessary to make Vitali conceive a hatred against me: but for this sentiment there was still another cause which rendered it more cruel.

Of this I must give an account, that I may be condemned if I am found in the wrong.
The ambassador had, according to custom, a box at each of the theaters.
Every day at dinner he named the theater to which it was his intention to go: I chose after him, and the gentlemen disposed of the other boxes.
When I went out I took the key of the box I had chosen.

One day, Vitali not being in the way, I ordered the footman who attended on me, to bring me the key to a house which I named to him.

Vitali, instead of sending the key, said he had disposed of it.

I was the more enraged at this as the footman delivered his message in public.