The day's work was finished and the evening's play had begun.

In the centre, where a fountain splashed into a broad bowl, groups of women and girls with copper water-jars were laughing and gossiping as they waited their turns.

One side of the square was flanked by the imposing facade of a church with the village saint on a pedestal in front; the other side, by a cheerfully inviting osteria with tables and chairs set into the street and a glimpse inside of a blazing hearth and copper kettles.
Mr.Wilder headed in a straight line for the nearest chair and dropped into it with an expression of permanence.

Constance followed, and they held a colloquy with a bowing host.

He was vague as to the finding of carriage or donkeys, but if they would accommodate themselves until after supper there would be a diligence along which would take them back to Valedolmo.
'How soon will the diligence arrive ?' asked Constance.
The man spread out his hands.
'It is due in three-quarters of an hour, but it may be early and it may be late.