CHAPTER XVII.
On the Lungarno in Florence, in the cool of the evening, we walked together, the Senator, momma, Dicky, and I.Dicky radiated depression, if such a thing is atmospherically possible; we all moved in it.

Mr.Dod had been banished from the Portheris party, and he groaned over the reflection that it was his own fault.

At Pompeii I had exerted myself in his interest to such an extent that Mr.Mafferton detached himself from Mrs.Portheris and attached himself to momma for the drive home.

Little did I realise that one could be too agreeable in a good cause.

Dicky insinuated himself with difficulty into Mr.Mafferton's vacant place opposite Mrs.Portheris, and even before the carriages started I saw that he was going to have a bad time.