"Why need there be any explanations?
Do not try to see me.

I wish you well; I wish you more--all happiness--but do not try to see me." Giovanni's face grew grave and pale.

He was disappointed, even humiliated; but something told him that it was not coldness which prompted her request.
"Your commands are my laws," he answered.
"I would rather that instead of regarding what I ask you as a command, you should feel that it ought to be the natural prompting of your own heart," replied Corona, somewhat coldly.
"Forgive me if my heart dictates what my obedience to you must effectually forbid," said Giovanni.

"I beseech you to be satisfied that what you ask I will perform--blindly." "Not blindly--you know all my reasons." "There is that between you and me which annihilates reason," answered Giovanni, his voice trembling a little.
"There is that in my position which should command your respect," said Corona.

She feared he was going too far, and yet this time she knew she had not said too much, and that in bidding him avoid her, she was only doing what was strictly necessary for her peace.