He was so very engaged that he did not hear the sound of an approaching carriage, until the horse was pulled to a sudden halt to avoid stepping on him.

Giuseppe staggered sleepily to his feet and rubbed his eyes.

He saw a gentleman descend, a gentleman clothed as for a wedding, in a frock coat and a white waistcoat, in shining hat and pearl grey gloves and a boutonniere of oleander.

Having paid the driver and dismissed the carriage, the gentleman fumbled in his pocket for his card-case.

Giuseppe hurrying forward with a polite bow, stopped suddenly and blinked.