Then they began that wonderful ride along the coast. The horrors of
the day before rolled away like a mist as the donkey jogged along that
miraculous drive. Lisetta and Gaetano chattered together, and Mae sat
very still, with her face to the sea, drinking in all the glory, as she
had longed and planned. Hope revived in her breast, pride had stood by
her all the while, and here was glorious nature coming to her aid. She
was going swiftly to the orange groves and the children of the sun. She
should see Talila and brown babies and dancing, and at night a great,
yellow moon would light up the whole scene. So on and on they went,
the travelling carriages dashing by them now and then, with their three
donkeys abreast, and the driver cracking his whip, and the travellers
oh-ing and ah-ing.
"That is the most picturesque peasant I have yet seen," said a gentle
lady in brown to her husband, as they passed the humble little party.
"Yes, she is clean, and more like the ideal than the actual peasant, and
I am very glad I have seen her.
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