There is nothing more dismal than early dawn in a
drizzling rain when a man has been up all night, but Giovanni was
unconscious of any discomfort, and there were wings under his feet
as he hastened homeward along the slippery pavements.
The pallor in his face had given way to a slight flush that gave
colour and animation to his cheeks, and though his eyes were
bright their expression was more natural than it had been for many
days. He was in one of the strangest humours which can have sway
over that unconsciously humorous animal, man. In the midst of the
deepest self-abasement his heart was overflowing with joy. The
combination of sorrow and happiness is a rare one, not found every
day, but the condition of experiencing both at the same time and
in the highest degree is very possible.
Giovanni, indeed, could not feel otherwise than he did. Had he
suspected Corona and accused her on grounds wholly frivolous and
untenable, in the unreasoning outbreak of a foolish jealousy, he
could not have been so persuaded of her guilt as to feel the
keenest joy on finding her innocent. In that case his remorse
would have outweighed his satisfaction. Had he, on the other hand,
suspected her without making the accusation, he would have been
happy on discovering his mistake, but could have felt little or no
remorse.
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