Chapter IX.

The Coming-out Party.

_Like the swell of some sweet tune,
Morning rises into noon,
May glides onward into June_.

--LONGFELLOW.

[Illustration: PALAZZO PITTI, FLORENCE.]


"Well, have you seen Ghirlandajo's work?" asked Mr. Sumner, the next
time the little group met in the library.

"Only his frescoes in Santa Maria Novella. We have spent two entire
mornings looking at those," answered Bettina.

"We took your list of the portraits there with us, uncle," said Malcom,
"and tried to get acquainted with those old Florentine bishops, bankers,
and merchants that he painted."

"And oh! isn't that Ginevra de' Benci in the _Meeting of Mary and
Elizabeth_ lovely! and her golden brocaded dress!" cried Margery.

"You pay quite a compliment to the old painter's power of representing
men and women," said Mr. Sumner, "for these evidently captivated you. I
wish I could have overheard you talking by yourselves."