32 ...
"Well," said Gauguin, "if you can figure a way to send us home, Degas and I will buy you dinner. Agreed, Edgar?"

"A small price to pay for one's sanity. Of course we'll pay."

After a pleasant meal, the three of us crossed the Piazza Della Signoria, paused outside the Uffizzi to listen for a moment to a classical guitarist who was entertaining the evening crowd of tourists,

D. Newkirk and V. Holland © 2013

and then watched the few rowers on the river Arno as we enjoyed the approach of sunset. Below us on a small patch of grass a pickup soccer game was under way.

D. Newkirk and V. Holland © 2013

D. Newkirk and V. Holland © 2013

D. Newkirk and V. Holland © 2013

D. Newkirk and V. Holland © 2013

It had been a very pleasant evening; however, there was no getting around the undercurrent of frustration that consumed both men. "You must be anxious to get back to your studios," I said.