It was quite a matter of course
that Ludovico would marry some lady in his rank of life. She was not
ignorant of the position in which he stood with regard to the
Contessa Violante. And his openness to her on this subject is a
curious indication of the very wide difference between the mode in
which the whole subject would be looked at by both parties in the
world in which they lived, and in our own.
Philosophers, as the result of much learned observation and long
reasonings, come to the conclusion that monogamy is best suited, on
the whole, to the nature, the requirements, and progressive
improvement of mankind. A pure-hearted woman, who loves with a true
and great love, finds a shorter cut to the same conviction.
And the growing depth and earnestness of Paolina's love had arrived
at teaching her this with unmistakable clearness. She might pine,
might die--might compel her heart to turn to stone;--might seek the
refuge of a cloister, which is the southern equivalent for suicide;-
-but she could not--she felt she could not live and be content to
share her lover's love with another. It was not any sensation of the
nature of jealousy so much as an unconquerable feeling that not to
have all was to have nothing;--that she must have all and for ever;
that she and he must be one;--one flesh and one spirit.
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