It is the most unparalleled insolence!" Giovanni was profoundly disgusted at himself and Donna Tullia.

He cared not so much for the humiliation itself, which was bad enough, as for the annoyance the scene caused Corona, who looked from one to the other in angry astonishment, but of course could have nothing to say.
"I can only assure you that I thought--" "You need not assure me!" cried Donna Tullia, losing all self-control.
"There is no excuse, nor pardon--it is the second time.

Do not insult me further, by inventing untruths for your apology." "Nevertheless--" began Giovanni, who was sincerely sorry for his great rudeness, and would gladly have attempted to explain his conduct, seeing that Donna Tullia was so justly angry.
"There is no nevertheless!" she interrupted.

"You may stay where you are," she added, with a scornful glance at the Duchessa d'Astrardente.
Then she laid her hand upon Del Ferice's arm, and swept angrily past, so that the train of her red silk gown brushed sharply against Corona's soft white velvet.
Giovanni remained standing a moment, with a puzzled expression upon his face.
"How could you do anything so rude ?" asked Corona, very gravely.

"She will never forgive you, and she will be quite right." "I do not know how I forgot," he answered, seating himself again.