His interest in his wife is rekindled when he sees Giuliana's happiness after she has begun a love affair with a novelist, Filippo d'Arborio. She becomes pregnant by d'Arborio.
His affection for his wife is revitalized when he observes Giuliana's elation resulting from her involvement in a romantic connection with novelist Filippo d'Arborio. She subsequently gives birth to d'Arborio's child.