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Updated: May 14, 2025
Then we could announce it, and there would be no objection to our staying here alone." "That is true," replied Veronica, thoughtfully. "We could always do that, if we chose." But she did not propose to do it at once, and he did not like to press her. He saw no harm, however, in speaking of the project with Taquisara.
Contempt might turn to familiarity, familiarity to friendship, and friendship to love. The first change had already taken place, and the others might come in time. Before the spring came, Veronica knew that Taquisara had not been guilty of exaggeration in describing his friend's character. Gianluca was all that his friend had painted him, and perhaps more.
She would then be legally married to Gianluca, while in the eyes of the Church she was already Taquisara's wife, by the fact of form though not by the intention of any one. It did not occur either to Taquisara or to the priest that they could keep their secret forever and allow matters to proceed to such a conclusion.
But Veronica did not think so just then, coming as she did from a disillusionment which had affected her more strongly than she knew. She compared Bosio with Gianluca, in appearance, and Gianluca lacked almost everything which could bear comparison. She compared Bosio with Taquisara, and she preferred the quiet refinement of the one to the bold eyes and high aquiline features of the other.
With his character and in his condition, he was glad to talk seriously with such a man as Don Teodoro, and then to lay before him the account of his few shortcomings according to the practice of his belief. The old priest came out at last, grave and bent, and, going through the rooms, he came upon Veronica standing alone where Taquisara had left her.
But Don Teodoro sighed softly when he had spoken, for he thought of Taquisara and of what that brave and silent man would suffer when he was forced to stand by Gianluca's side and see the rings exchanged and the hands joined, and hear the words spoken which must cut him off forever from all hope.
I am his friend," he answered, scarcely above a whisper, as she went by. He came back, shook hands with Bianca, bowed coldly to Veronica, and left the room within two minutes after Gianluca. "What is the matter with Taquisara?" asked Ghisleri, carelessly. "He seems irritable." Bianca looked at Veronica. "Does he? I suppose he is anxious about Don Gianluca."
Ghisleri and Bianca, on the other side, had begun at once to talk, and their voices, unknown to themselves, had sunk to a low key. "I am very glad I have met you here, this morning, Donna Veronica," said Taquisara, leaning forward so as to speak close to her, but looking down at the gravel under his feet. "I had something especial to say to you." Veronica glanced at him, half startled.
It is all over." "Life, you mean? I doubt that. Nothing is over, for nothing is done. They are not married yet, are they?" "No, of course not!" "Then they may never marry." "Who can prevent it? You? I? My father? It is over, I tell you. There is no hope. I will see her once more, and then I shall die. But I must see her once more. You must help me to see her." "Of course," answered Taquisara.
He had not yet gone, however, and he soon wrote from Naples complaining that he had no news from her. On the following day Veronica was surprised to receive a letter addressed in a hand she did not know. It was from Taquisara, and she frowned a little angrily as she glanced at the signature before reading the contents.
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