For the working-day world never lacks prejudice to direct its working.
For some time Giovanni and Corona talked of their plans for the spring and summer.

They would read, they would work together at the schemes for uniting and improving their estates; they would build that new road from Astrardente to Saracinesca, concerning which there had been so much discussion during the last year; they would visit every part of their lands together, and inquire into the condition of every peasant; they would especially devote their attention to extending the forest enclosures, in which Giovanni foresaw a source of wealth for his children; above all, they would talk to their hearts' content, and feel, as each day dawned upon their happiness, that they were free to go where they would, without being confronted at every turn by the troublesome duties of an exigent society.
At last the conversation turned again upon recent events, and especially upon the part Del Ferice and Donna Tullia had played in attempting to prevent the marriage.

Corona asked what Giovanni intended to do about the matter.
"I do not see that there is much to be done," he answered.

"I will go to Donna Tullia to-morrow, and explain that there has been a curious mistake--that I am exceedingly obliged to her for calling my attention to the existence of a distant relative, but that I trust she will not in future interfere in my affairs." "Do you think she will marry Del Ferice after all ?" asked Corona.
"Why not?
Of course he gave her the papers.

Very possibly he thought they really proved my former marriage.