The most that seemed possible was that he should keep out of Corona's way for a few days, until she should have recovered from the shock of the scene in the theatre.

After that he would go to her and tell her quite simply that he was very sorry, but that he had been unable to control himself.

It would soon be over.

She would not refuse to speak to him, he argued, for fear of attracting the attention of the gossips and making an open scandal.
She would perhaps tell him to avoid her, and her words would be few and haughty, but she would speak to him, nevertheless.
Giovanni went to bed.

The next day he gave out that he had a touch of fever, and remained in his own apartments.