The Contessa Marliani was an important little lady in her eyes; and was treated, by her with an indulgence and consideration which she would have considered out of place in the case of a child not born to such expectations and such a destiny.

She was not contented with her young relative; but was more perplexed and puzzled by her than angered.

And as Violante grew towards womanhood, her great-aunt understood her less and less.
In the first place, she had a much stronger tendency towards devotion than the Marchese Lanfredi thought either natural or becoming in a young woman.

Of course it was right and proper to pay due attention to one's religious duties; there was no necessity to tell her, a Cardinal Archbishop's sister, that, it was to be supposed.

But she had a strong objection to excess in such matters.