The newspapers gave the matter considerable prominence, and it was generally expected that the godfather's present to the new convert would be a favourable decision in the pending divorce suit.

And, in fact, a week later the decision was rendered.

It was to the following effect: The husband and wife were declared divorced, but with the proviso that the latter should never marry again, and the former not during his divorced wife's lifetime.

Thus the coffin-lid was closed on the young wife, who was, as it were, buried alive; but in falling it had caught and held fast the bridal veil of the Marchioness Caldariva, who could not now hope to be led to the altar so long as the princess remained alive.

Had there been in this some malevolent design to wreak vengeance on the two women at one stroke, the purpose could not have been better accomplished.
The further provisions of the decree of the Roman Curia were of secondary importance.