Chapter 22 Summary

Their romance flowers in reminiscences about the dog and the day of their separation. Biagio observes, however, that as mutual a passion as the two share, Cosimo has no taste for the more wanton perversities Viola enjoys. Their unity is best when it is mutually adventuresome in their acrobatics in the trees, love suspended in the air, pure and as sacred as the nature that surrounds them. When Viola toys with him, tries to spark jealousy, or demonstrates her capriciousness in any other way, Cosimo is only confused and frustrated in wondering why she cannot simply be happy.

Their world in the trees is beautiful, made even more so by Viola's taste for luxury and immediate gratification. Hammocks and curtains hang around them, and they exist in a world of sensual beauty and pleasure they both love. She loves his singularity and stories...