Why is Mary staying in Tuscany? What are the circumstances that bring her there? Why does she choose to stay in the villa?

How does Mary know Edgar? What is the basis for their relationship? How does this basis impact their relationship during the days covered by the story in Tuscany?

Who is Karl Richter? How does Mary come to know him? What impact does Karl have on her life?

Who is Rowley Flint? How does he know Mary? What is Mary's impression of Rowley? What do others think of Rowley? Is this reputation founded?

Compare the characters of the three men in Mary's life - Edgar, Karl and Rowley. How are they similar? Different? What is it about each that draws Mary? What is it about each that pushes her away?

Who is the Princess San Ferdinando? Ciro? Nina? Agata? Mr. and Mrs...