"He did not know how to make a good use of his opportunities.

Or the Marchesa was hanging round his neck all the time.
Or perhaps he took her as a next-best, when Marcolina, the philosopher, the woman of learning, proved unattainable!" Suddenly a thought struck him.

"To-morrow I will read her my polemic against Voltaire.

I can think of no one else who would be a competent critic.

I shall convince her.