She was wise enough to know, too, that after such an unlucky beginning, it would be better for Gianluca if a long time passed before he had another chance of pouring out his heart to the young girl.

Things might go by contraries, she thought.

Contempt might turn to familiarity, familiarity to friendship, and friendship to love.

The first change had already taken place, and the others might come in time.
Before the spring came, Veronica knew that Taquisara had not been guilty of exaggeration in describing his friend's character.

Gianluca was all that his friend had painted him, and perhaps more.