White parasols and light dust coats--everything that could be contrived for coolness--gay feathers and fluttering fringes, whose wearers sat in easy attitudes enjoying the breeze created by the swift motion.

Upon such a day the roof of a coach is more pleasant than the thickest shade, because of that current of air, for the same leaves that keep off the sun also prevent a passing zephyr from refreshing the forehead.

But the swifter the horses the sweeter the fresh wind to fan the delicate cheek and drooping eyelid of indolent beauty.

So idle were they all that they barely spoke, and could only smile instead of laugh if one exerted himself to utter a good jest.

The gentleman who handled the ribbons was the only one thoroughly awake.
His eyes were downcast, indeed, because they never left his horses, but his ears were sharply alive to the rhythmic beat of the hoofs and the faint creak and occasional jingle of the harness.