Now Donna Veronica has none to speak of so far as I can see.

It is a case for persuasion." Gianluca sighed.

Matters were at a deadlock, and Veronica had announced her intention of going to Muro alone, before long.

Once established there, she might stay in the mountains until the following autumn, unapproachable in her maiden solitude, as she had told Taquisara.
Gianluca might knock at her gate, there, but he would certainly not be admitted.
"You despise me," he said to his friend.

"You think me weak and helpless, and you fancy that if you were in my place you could do better.