The crowd of men parted before him as he advanced to the Duchessa's chair, and stood waiting in some surprise.
"What are your commands, Duchessa ?" he asked, in somewhat formal tones.
"Valdarno is too quick," answered Corona, who was greatly annoyed.

"Some one suggested calling you to settle a dispute, and he went before I could stop him.

I fear it is very impertinent of us." "I am entirely at your service," said Giovanni, who was delighted at having been called, and had found time to recover from his first excitement on seeing her.

"What is the question ?" "We were all talking about you," said Valdarno.
"We were wondering where you had been," said another.
"They said you had gone boar-hunting." "Or to Naples." "Or even to Paris." Three or four spoke in one breath.
"I am exceedingly flattered at the interest you all show in me," said Giovanni, quietly.

"There is very little to tell.