But still she sat on and
on upon the bench in the shade musing on many things--on the
Contessa Violante, on the steps Ludovico had said that he would take
this very first day of Lent towards the open breaking off of all
engagement with that lady, and on the amount of scandal and
difficulty that would thence arise.
Then her fancy, despite all her endeavours and determinations to the
contrary, would go back to paint pictures of the beauty of La
Bianca, as she sat by the side of Ludovico in the little carriage.
How lovely she had looked, and how happy,--so evidently pleased with
herself, with her companion, and with all about her. And Ludovico
had seemed in such good spirits--so happy, so thoroughly contented.
He did not want any one else to be with him. He was far enough from
thinking of the fond and faithful heart that would have been made so
happy--oh, so happy--if it had been given to her to sit there by his
side.
She sat thinking of all these things till she was roused from her
reverie by the city clocks striking noon. It was three good hours
later than she had supposed it to be; and she jumped up from her
seat, intending to hasten home to Signora Orsola Steno.
All this Paolina stated partly to Signora Orsola on her return home,
and partly in reply to inquiries subsequently made of her by
inquirers far less easily satisfied.
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