But old Saracinesca was in a good humour, and he bore up bravely until ten o'clock, when Corona gave the signal for retiring.

They were to start very early in the morning, she said, and she must have rest.
When the two men were alone, the Prince turned upon his son in semi-comic anger, and upbraided him with his obstinate dulness during the evening.
Giovanni only smiled calmly, and shrugged his shoulders.

There was nothing more to be said.
But on the following morning, soon after six o'clock, Giovanni had the supreme satisfaction of installing Corona beside him upon the driving-seat of his cart, while his father and Sister Gabrielle sat together behind him.

The sun was not yet above the hills, and the mountain air was keen and fresh; the stamping of the horses sounded crisp and sharp, and their bells rang merrily as they shook their sturdy necks and pricked their short ears to catch Giovanni's voice.
"Have you forgotten nothing, Duchessa ?" asked Giovanni, gathering the reins in his hand.
"Nothing, thanks.

I have sent our things on mules--by the bridle-path." She smiled involuntarily as she recalled her adventure, and half turned her face away.
"Ah, yes--the bridle-path," repeated Giovanni, as he nodded to the groom to stand clear of the horses' heads.