If I chose to idolize her, and raise her to the stature of an angel when she was but on the low level of mere womanhood, that was my folly, not her fault.
We kept open house.

Our villa was a place of rendezvous for the leading members of the best society in and around Naples.

My wife was universally admired; her lovely face and graceful manners were themes of conversation throughout the whole neighborhood.

Guido Ferrari, my friend, was one of those who were loudest in her praise, and the chivalrous homage he displayed toward her doubly endeared him to me.

I trusted him as a brother; he came and went as pleased him; he brought Nina gifts of flowers and fanciful trifles adapted to her taste, and treated her with fraternal and delicate kindness.