He belonged to the type of pale and somewhat phlegmatic men who frequently fall in love with women of sanguine complexion and robust appearance.

Donna Tullia was a fine type of this class, and was called handsome, though she did not compare well with women of less pretension to beauty, but more delicacy and refinement.

Del Ferice admired her greatly, however; and, as has been said, he admired her fortune even more.

He saw himself gradually approaching the goal of his intentions, and as he neared the desired end he grew more and more cautious.

He had played one of his strongest cards that night, and he was content to wait and let matters develop quietly, without any more pushing from him.