Quite early in the next day Ferrari called to see me. I was at breakfast--he apologized for disturbing me at the meal.
"But," he explained, frankly, "the Countess Romani laid such urgent commands upon me that I was compelled to obey. We men are the slaves of women!"
"Not always," I said, dryly, as I motioned him to take a seat--"there are exceptions--myself for instance. Will you have some coffee?"
"Thanks, I have already breakfasted. Pray do not let me be in your way, my errand is soon done. The countess wishes me to say--"
"You saw her last night?" I interrupted him.
He flushed slightly. "Yes--that is--for a few minutes only. I gave her your message. She thanks you, and desires me to tell you that she cannot think of receiving the jewels unless you will first honor her by a visit. She is not at home to ordinary callers in consequence of her recent bereavement--but to you, so old a friend of her husband's family, a hearty welcome will be accorded."
I bowed stiffly. "I am extremely flattered!" I said, in a somewhat sarcastical tone, "it is seldom I receive so tempting an invitation! I regret that I cannot accept it--at least, not at present. Make my compliments to the lady, and tell her so in whatever sugared form of words you may think best fitted to please her ears."
He looked surprised and puzzled.
"Do you really mean," he said, with a tinge of hauteur in his accents, "that you will not visit her--that you refuse her request?"
I smiled. "I really mean, my dear Signor Ferrari, that, being always accustomed to have my own way, I can make no exception in favor of ladies, however fascinating they may be. I have business in Naples--it claims my first and best attention. When it is transacted I may possibly try a few frivolities for a change--at present I am unfit for the society of the fair sex--an old battered traveler as you see, brusque, and unaccustomed to polite lying. But I promise you I will practice suave manners and a court bow for the countess when I can spare time to call upon her. In the meanwhile I trust to you to make her a suitable and graceful apology for my non-appearance."
Ferrari's puzzled and vexed expression gave way to a smile--finally he laughed aloud. "Upon my word!" he exclaimed, gayly, "you are really a remarkable man, conte! You are extremely cynical! I am almost inclined to believe that you positively hate women."