If Rowland had felt disposed he might have made a joke of her intense seriousness.

From time to time he told her the name of a place or a building, and she nodded, without looking at him.
When they emerged into the great square between Bernini's colonnades, she laid her hand on Mrs.Hudson's arm and sank back in the carriage, staring up at the vast yellow facade of the church.

Inside the church, Roderick gave his arm to his mother, and Rowland constituted himself the especial guide of Miss Garland.

He walked with her slowly everywhere, and made the entire circuit, telling her all he knew of the history of the building.

This was a great deal, but she listened attentively, keeping her eyes fixed on the dome.