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Updated: June 4, 2025
It was very short, as follows: "It may interest you to know that the Duchessa d'Astrardente is going to her castle in the Sabines on the day after to-morrow." This laconic epistle Del Ferice carefully directed to Don Giovanni Saracinesca at his palace, and fastened a stamp upon it; but he concealed the address from Temistocle.
Amid all the excitement of the first two years of her life in the world, Corona had moved calmly upon her way, wrapped in the perfect dignity of her character; and the old Duca d'Astrardente had smiled and played with the curled locks of his wonderful wig, and had told every one that his wife was the one woman in the universe who was above suspicion.
Will you put down my cup of tea? Let us go near the fire; Strillone is going to sing again." "I would like him to sing a 'Nune dimittis, Domine, for me," murmured Giovanni, whose eyes were filled with a strange light. Half an hour later Corona d'Astrardente went down the steps of the Embassy wrapped in her furs and preceded by her footman.
But Corona d'Astrardente was a very brave and strong woman, and she bore what seemed to her like the agony of death renewed each day, so calmly that those who knew her thought it was but a passing indisposition or annoyance, unusual with her, who was never ill nor troubled, but yet insignificant.
He determined that he would not again be guilty of not knowing what was going on in society; and with the intention of rising early on the following morning, he found Corona, and rather unceremoniously told her it was time to go home. On the next day the Duca d'Astrardente walked into the club soon after ten o'clock.
"The Duchessa d'Astrardente reminds us of the fable of the dog in the horse's manger, for she can neither eat herself nor let others eat. She will not accept Don Giovanni Saracinesca's devotion, but she effectually prevents him from fulfilling his engagements to others." If Corona had been in her ordinary mood, she would very likely have laughed at the anonymous communication.
In the first place, it was confidently asserted by one party, represented by Valdarno and his set, that Giovanni had taken offence at Del Ferice for having proposed to call him to be examined before the Duchessa d'Astrardente in regard to his absence from town: that this was a palpable excuse for picking a quarrel, because it was well known that Saracinesca loved the Astrardente, and that Del Ferice was always in his way.
"I beg your Excellencies' pardon " he began, as he put down the soup-plate. "Well, Pasquale?" asked old Saracinesca, looking sharply at the old servant from under his heavy brows. "Have your Excellencies heard the news?" "What news? No," returned the Prince. "The Duca d'Astrardente " "Well, what of him?" "Is dead."
Among other things concerning him, he has done himself the honour of falling desperately, madly in love with the Duchessa d'Astrardente, who " "What?" cried the old man in a cracked voice, as Valdarno paused. "Who does you the honour of ignoring his existence on most occasions, but who was so unfortunate as to recall him to her memory on the night of the Frangipani ball.
"My father," said Giovanni, coming forward, "the Duchessa d'Astrardente has consented to be my wife. I crave your blessing." The old man started, and then stood stock-still. His son had fairly taken his breath away, for he had not expected the news for three or four months to come. Then he advanced and took Corona's hand, and kissed it.
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