She had just entered when she was aware of the tall figure of Corona d'Astrardente coming towards her, magnificent in the simplicity of her furs, a short veil just covering half her face, and an unwonted colour in her dark cheeks.
Corona was surprised at meeting Madame Mayer, but she did not show it.
She nodded with a sufficiently pleasant smile, and would have passed on.
This would not have suited Donna Tullia's intentions, however, for she meant to have a good look at her friend.

It was not for nothing that she had made up her mind to go to confession at a moment's notice.

She therefore stopped the Duchessa, and insisted upon shaking hands.
"What an extraordinary coincidence!" she exclaimed.

"You must have been to see Padre Filippo too ?" "Yes," answered Corona.

"You will find him in the sacristy." She noticed that Madame Mayer regarded her with great interest.