Three o'clock
Where he shines not it may be freezing . As soon as he has made his somewhat precipitous exit from the hard blue sky , the temperature will suddenly fall some ten degrees or more . But as long as he is in glory overhead , it is summer in the midst of winter . Three o'clock had been named as the hour at which the coming `` Diva '' would reach the city gates . But the plans which the young habitues of the Circolo had arranged for receiving her , had been in some degree modified . The scheme of harnessing their noble selves to her chariot-wheels had been abandoned ; and instead of that it had been understood that the Marchese Lamberto would himself go in his carriage to meet her a few miles out of the city and bring her in . The Marchese Ludovico and the young Barone Manutoli were to accompany the Marchese Lamberto , and to assist in receiving the lady ; but were to return to the city in the carriage which she would leave , on getting into that of the Marchese , or in any other way that might seem good to them .