It would not do--it would be hardly decent, seeing that he believed her to be the cause of the catastrophe.

His steps, however, led him almost unconsciously in the direction of the Astrardente palace; he found himself in front of the arched entrance almost before he knew where he was.

The temptation to see Corona was more than he could resist.

He asked the porter if the Duchessa was at home, and on being answered in the affirmative, he boldly entered and ascended the marble staircase--boldly, but with an odd sensation, like that of a schoolboy who is getting himself into trouble.
Corona had just come home, and was sitting by the fire in her great drawing-room, alone, with a book in her hand, which she was not reading.
She rarely remained in the reception-rooms; but to-day she had rather capriciously taken a fancy to the broad solitude of the place, and had accordingly installed herself there.

She was very much surprised when the doors were suddenly opened wide and the servant announced Prince Saracinesca.