Giovanni had no choice.

She let her eyes rest upon him, not unkindly, but she did not extend her hand.

He stood one moment in hesitation, then bowed and left the room without a word.

Corona stood still, and her eyes followed his retreating figure until at the door he turned once more and bent his head and then was gone.

Then she fell back into her chair and gazed listlessly at the wall opposite.
"It is done," she said at last.