You know that it is a
family arrangement managed by my uncle. You know, that if I wished
it ever so much, I can't avoid it. You know, or ought to know, that
it is not, and cannot be a matter of affection in any way. You know
that in the world such marriages are arranged and are known and
understood to be arranged, for reasons, and on ground with which
love has nothing to do. Does not all Ravenna know, including the
lady herself doubtless, that I am to marry her because she is the
great-niece of the Cardinal Legate? Can I be expected to love her,
because she is the Cardinal's niece? Surely, my Paolina, you are not
speaking or thinking of this matter, with your usual good sense!"
"I can't help it, Ludovico; I am, at all events speaking with my
whole heart!" she said in a tone of profound sadness. "If what you
say is true,--and do not imagine, dearest, that I have the smallest
doubt that all you say to me is entirely and perfectly true,--just
think of the lot of that povera Contessa Violante! Poverina! I dare
say she,--think of the wrong I should be doing her! Think how she
would hate me!" She shuddered as she spoke. "Nobody, I think, ever
hated me yet," she continued; "and it seems to me so horrible to be
hated. And more horrible still to know that I should be justly
hated! And then, tesoro mio!--Mio!--How could I ever say mio?
Never, never, never, mio!" she cried, bursting into passionate
tears.
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