CHAPTER XII. 

Madame Colonna, with that vivacious energy which characterises the south, had no sooner seen Coningsby, and heard his praises celebrated by his grandfather, than she resolved that an alliance should sooner or later take place between him and her step-daughter. She imparted her projects without delay to Lucretia, who received them in a different spirit from that in which they were communicated. Lucretia bore as little resemblance to her step-mother in character, as in person. If she did not possess her beauty, she was born with an intellect of far greater capacity and reach. She had a deep judgment. A hasty alliance with a youth, arranged by their mutual relatives, might suit very well the clime and manners of Italy, but Lucretia was well aware that it was altogether opposed to the habits and feelings of this country. She had no conviction that either Coningsby would wish to marry her, or, if willing, that his grandfather would sanction such a step in one as yet only on the threshold of the world. Lucretia therefore received the suggestions and proposals of Madarne Colonna with coldness and indifference; one might even say contempt, for she neither felt respect for this lady, nor was she sedulous to evince it. Although really younger than Coningsby, Lucretia felt that a woman of eighteen is, in all worldly considerations, ten years older than a youth of the same age. She anticipated that a considerable time might elapse before Coningsby would feel it necessary to seal his destiny by marriage, while, on the other hand, she was not only anxious, but resolved, not to delay on her part her emancipation from the galling position in which she very frequently found herself.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. What is Lucretia's age?
2. How old is Madame Colonna's step-daughter?
3. What is the age of Madame Colonna's step-daughter?
Q2:
1. Who is Lucretia younger than?
2. Who is Lucretia's older potential suitor?
3. Who does Madame Colonna want Lucretia to wed?
Q3:
1. Did Lucretia believe Coningsby wanted to marry her?
2. Did Lucretia believe that Coningsby was keen on the prospect of their marriage?
3. Did Lucretia feel convinced that Coningsby would want to wed?
Q4:
1. Who may disapprove of the marriage between Lucretia and Coningsby?
2. Who might be against the marriage of Lucretia and Coningsby?
3. Who might not support the marriage of Lucretia and Coningsby?
Q5:
1. Who was characterized as someone's grandson?
2. Who was labelled as a grandson?
3. Who in the story had a grandfather?
Q6:
1. Was Madame Colonna an energetic person?
2. Did Madame Colonna have a lot of energy?
3. Was Madame Colonna full of energy?
Q7:
1. What region is associated with Madame Colonna's energy?
2. Where does Madame Colonna's energy come from?
3. What is the regional association with Madame Colonna's energy?
Q8:
1. Did Lucretia resemble Madame Colonna?
2. Did Lucretia look like Madame Colonna?
3. Did Lucretia resemble her step-mother?
Q9:
1. Who felt a decade older than most 18 year olds?
2. Who thinks that a girl at 18 is a decade older than most youths?
3. Who at 18 felt a decade older?
Q10:
1. Was the wedding likely to occur soon?
2. Were Lucretia and Coningsby soon to be wed?
3. Were Lucretia and Coningsby definitely going to marry soon?
