Come in!" cried Giovanni, in answer to a knock at the door.

Pasquale, the old butler, entered the room.
"The Duca d'Astrardente has sent to inquire after the health of his Excellency Don Giovanni," said the old man, respectfully.
The elder Saracinesca paused in his walk, and broke out into a loud laugh.
"Already! You see, Giovannino," he said.

"Tell him, Pasquale, that Don Giovanni caught a severe cold at the ball last night--or no--wait! What shall we say, Giovannino ?" "Tell the servant," said Giovanni, sternly, "that I am much obliged for the kind inquiry, that I am perfectly well, and that you have just seen me eating my breakfast." Pasquale bowed and left the room.
"I suppose you do not want her to know--" said the Prince, who had suddenly recovered his gravity.
Giovanni bowed his head silently.
"Quite right, my boy," said the old man, gravely.

"I do not want to know anything about it either.

How the devil could they have found out ?" The question was addressed more to himself than to his son, and the latter volunteered no answer.