And the surprise was great, for he was some fifteen years older than the girl.

However, he was a count, he bore a name which was already historical, he was piling up millions, he was regarded with favour at the Quirinal, and none could tell to what heights he might not attain.

All Rome became impassioned.
Never afterwards was Benedetta able to explain to herself how it happened that she had eventually consented.

Six months sooner, six months later, such a marriage would certainly have been impossible, given the fearful scandal which it raised in the black world.

A Boccanera, the last maiden of that antique papal race, given to a Prada, to one of the despoilers of the Church! Was it credible?
In order that the wild project might prove successful it had been necessary that it should be formed at a particular brief moment--a moment when a supreme effort was being made to conciliate the Vatican and the Quirinal.