It is very unlikely that I shall ever marry." "I trust, Signora Duchessa, that in any case you will always command my most humble services." With this protestation of fidelity the lawyer left the Palazzo Astrardente, and Corona remained in her boudoir in meditation of what it would be like to be the feudal mistress of a great title and estate.

She was very sad, but she was growing used to her solitude.

Her liberty was strange to her, but little by little she was beginning to enjoy it.

At first she had missed the constant care of the poor man who for five years had been her companion; she had missed his presence and the burden of thinking for him at every turn of the day.

But it was not for long.