What more could any man ask, if he could not be loved, than to give his soul and his body for such a good and just end?
Perhaps Ruggiero's way of looking at the present and future state might have puzzled more than one theologian on that particular afternoon.
While Ruggiero was deciding matters of life and death in his own way, with absolute certainty of carrying out his intentions, matters were not proceeding smoothly on the Marchesa's terrace.

The midday breakfast had passed off fairly well, though Beatrice had again grown silent, and the conversation was carried on by San Miniato with a little languid help from the Marchesa.

The latter was apparently neither disturbed nor out of humour in consequence of the little scene which had taken place in the morning.

She took a certain amount of opposition on Beatrice's part as a matter of course, and was prepared to be very long-suffering with the girl's moods, partly because it was less trouble than to do battle with her, and partly because it was really wiser.

Beatrice must grow used to the idea of marriage and must be gradually accustomed to the daily companionship of San Miniato.