"You are very good to me," she said. She had often wondered how it was that this aged creature, who had never been faithful to any attachment in his life for five months, did really seem to love her just as he had done for five years. It was perhaps the greatest triumph she could have attained, though she never thought of it in that light; but though she could not respect her husband very much, she could not think unkindly of him--for, as she said, he was very good to her. She often reproached herself because he wearied her; she believed that she should have taken more pleasure in his admiration. "I cannot help being good to you, my angel," he said. "How could I be otherwise? Do I not love you most passionately?" "Indeed, I think so," Corona answered. As she spoke there was a knock at the door. Her heart leaped wildly, and she turned a little pale. "The devil seize these visitors!" muttered old Astrardente, annoyed beyond measure at being interrupted when making love to his wife. "I suppose we must let them in?" "I suppose so," assented the Duchessa, with forced calm. Her husband opened the door, and Giovanni Saracinesca entered, hat in hand. "Sit down," said Astrardente, rather harshly. "I trust I am not disturbing you," replied Giovanni, still standing. He was somewhat surprised at the old man's inhospitable tone. "Oh no; not in the least," said the latter, quickly regaining his composure. "Pray sit down; the act will begin in a moment." Giovanni established himself upon the chair immediately behind the Duchessa. He had come to talk, and he anticipated that during the second act he would have an excellent opportunity. "I hear you enjoyed yourselves yesterday," said Corona, turning her head so as to speak more easily. "Indeed!" Giovanni answered, and a shade of annoyance crossed his face. "And who was your informant, Duchessa?" "Donna Tullia. I met her this morning. She said you amused them all--kept them laughing the whole day." "What an extraordinary statement!" exclaimed Giovanni. "It shows how one may unconsciously furnish matter for mirth. I do not recollect having talked much to any one. It was a noisy party enough, however." "Perhaps Donna Tullia spoke ironically," suggested Corona. "Do you like 'Norma'?" "Oh yes; one opera is as good as another. There goes the curtain." The act began, and for some minutes no one in the box spoke. Presently there was a burst of orchestral music. Giovanni leaned forward so that his face was close behind Corona. He could speak without being heard by Astrardente. "Did you receive my letter?" he asked. Corona made an almost imperceptible inclination of her head, but did not speak. "Do you understand my position?" he asked again. He could not see her face, and for some seconds she made no sign; at last she moved her head again, but this time to express a negative. "It is simple enough, it seems to me," said Giovanni, bending his brows.