Then they both sat down in silence.
"I had despaired of ever seeing you again," said Giovanni at last, speaking in a subdued voice.

"I had wished for some opportunity of telling you how sincerely I sympathise with you in your great loss." It was a very formal speech, such as men make in such situations.

It might have been better, but he was not eloquent; even his rough old father had a better command of language on ordinary occasions, though Giovanni could speak well enough when he was roused.

But he felt constrained in the presence of the woman he adored.

Corona herself hardly knew how to answer.
"You are very kind," she said, simply.
"I wish it were possible to be of any service to you," he answered.