"After all--Flavia--"

"Yes Flavia, after all--"

"I shall be curious to see how the other one turns out," remarked
Giovanni. "There seems to be a certain unanimity in our opinion of
Flavia. However, I daresay it is mere gossip, and Casa Montevarchi
is not a gay place for a girl of her age."

"Not gay? How do you know?" asked the old prince. "Does the girl
want Carnival to last till All Souls'? Did you ever dine there,
Giovannino?"

"No--nor any one else who is not a member of the most Excellent
Casa Montevarchi."

"Then how do you know whether it is gay or not?"

"You should hear Ascanio Bellegra describe their life," retorted
Giovanni.

"And I suppose you describe your life to him, in exchange?" Prince
Saracinesca was beginning to lose his temper, as he invariably did
whenever he could induce his son to argue any question with him.
"I suppose you deplore each other's miserable condition. I tell
you what I think, Giovanni. You had better go and live in Corona's
house if you are not happy here."

"It is let," replied Giovanni with imperturbable calm, but his