During this speech the two figures on the box were sporting with each other disgracefully. Lucy had a spasm of envy. Granted that they wished to misbehave, it was pleasant for them to be able to do so. They were probably the only people enjoying the expedition. The carriage swept with agonizing jolts up through the Piazza of Fiesole and into the Settignano road.

“ Piano! piano! ” said Mr. Eager, elegantly waving his hand over his head.

“ Va bene, signore, va bene, va bene ,” crooned the driver, and whipped his horses up again.