It was the first time he had ever written to her, and she was greatly surprised on finding his name at the foot of the page.

He wrote a strong clear handwriting, entirely without adornment of penmanship, close and regular and straight: there was an air of determination about it which was sympathetic, and a conciseness of expression which startled Corona, as though she had heard the man himself speaking to her.
"I write, dear Duchessa, because I covet your good opinion, and my motive is therefore before all things an interested one.

I would not have you think that I had idly asked your advice about a thing so important to me as my marriage, in order to discard your counsel at the first opportunity.

There was too much reason in the view you took of the matter to admit of my not giving your opinion all the weight I could, even if I had not already determined upon the very course you advised.
Circumstances have occurred, however, which have almost induced me to change my mind.

I have had an interview with my father, who has put the matter very plainly before me.