She would rule the house and be independent--not of him, exactly, for she was fond of him and had no desire to be despotic over him, but of parents and elders and relations who would think it their right to advise and guide.

All this would be different with Gianluca for her husband.

The Della Spina were proud of their name and would expect her to bear it.

They were numerous, too; the old father and mother would oppress and burden her life, and the brothers and sisters of Gianluca would grow up to be more or less of a perpetual annoyance to their elder brother's wife.

Of that side of life her aunt had given her more than one picture, intentionally exaggerating a little, perhaps, for her own purposes.