The plan was part of her fixed intention
to be more than usually thoughtful where he was concerned, and the
idea that she had kept him waiting and that he had gone away
caused her more regret than would have been natural in the
ordinary course of events.
In order to explain what now took place, it is necessary to return
to Giovanni himself who, as Corona had said, had waited for his
wife near the band-stand on the Pincio for some time, until
growing weary, he had walked away and left the gardens.
Though he manfully concealed what he felt, the passion that had
been sown in his heart had grown apace and in a few days had
assumed dominating proportions. He suspected everything and
everybody while determined to appear indifferent. Even Corona's
efforts to please him, which of late had grown so apparent, caused
him suspicion. He asked himself why her manner should have
changed, as it undoubtedly had during the last few days. She had
always been a good and loving wife to him, and he was well pleased
with her gravity and her dignified way of showing her affection.
Why should she suddenly think it needful to become so very
solicitous for his welfare and happiness during every moment of
his life? It was not like her to come into his study early in the
morning and to ask what he meant to do during the day.
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