"So," he began presently, "so you won't marry Luigi Caracciolo?"
"No. Never."
"He's a splendid fellow, though. He has a noble name, a handsome fortune. And he loves you."
"I don't love him, and I won't marry him."
"Love isn't necessary in marriage," said Cesare coldly.
"Not for others, perhaps. For me it is necessary," she cried, pained in the bottom of her heart by this apothegm.
"You know nothing about life, my dear. A marriage for love and a marriage for convenience are equally likely to turn out happily or unhappily. And of what use is passion? Of none."
She bowed her head, not convinced, obstinate in her faith, but respecting the man who spoke to her.
"If you don't care for Luigi Caracciolo, you ought to try not to see him."