Ottima only begins to feel it when she thinks her lover is ceasing to love her.

I am not sure that to reverse the whole situation would not be nearer to the truth of things; but that is matter of discussion.

Then the subject-matter is sordid.

Nothing relieves the coarseness of Sebald, Ottima and Luca and their relations to one another but the few descriptions of nature and the happy flash of innocence when Pippa passes by.

Nor are there any large fates behind the tale or large effects to follow which might lift the crime into dignity.