So that had La Bianca taken a few less minutes to put the finishing touches to the charming morning toilette which replaced the gorgeous Venetian costume she had taken off, the bagarino which carried her and Ludovico would infallibly have overtaken the young artist.

As it was, however, having more than half-an-hour's start of it, she reached the church before they came within sight of it.
Little Paolina had felt rather nervous when first stepping into the cool fresh morning air from the door of the lodging she occupied.

But the street was utterly empty, and she took courage.

The first human beings she saw on her way were the octroi officers at the gate.

They sat apparently half asleep at the doorway of their den, by the side of the city gate, wrapped in huge cloaks; and took not even so much heed of her as to say "Good morning." The long bit of straight flat road outside the gate was equally deserted; and Paolina, braced by the morning air, stepped out vigorously, and began to enjoy her walk.
There is little enough, however, in the country through which she was passing to delight the eye.