He was going to marry her after all.

To save the woman he loved so hopelessly from the mere suspicion of being loved by him, he was going to tie himself for life to the first who would marry him.

That would never prevent the gossips from saying that he loved this other woman as much as ever.

It could do her no great harm, since she took no interest whatever in him.

Who could she be, this cold creature, whom even Giovanni could not move to interest?
It was absurd--the letter was absurd--the whole thing was absurd! None but a madman would think of pursuing such a course; and why should he think it necessary to confide his plans--his very foolish plans--to her, Corona d'Astrardente,--why?
Ah, Giovanni, how different things might have been! Corona rose angrily from her seat and leaned against the broad chimney-piece, and looked at the clock--it was nearly mid-day.