صفحة 887 من 1118

"And the people of his household-that band?" asked Don Abbondio,

who had heard some contradictory stories concerning them, and did

not feel, therefore, quite secure.

"The greater part have left him," replied the tailor, "and those

who have remained have changed their manner of life; in short,

this castle has become like the Thebaid. The signor curate

understands me."

Then retracing with Agnes the visit of the cardinal, "What a

great man!" said he, "a great man, indeed! what a pity he

remained so short a time with us! I wished to do him honour. Oh,

if I had only been able to address him again, more at my

leisure!"

When they rose from table, he showed them an engraving of the

cardinal, which he had hung on the door, from veneration to his

virtues, and also to enable him to assure every body that it was

no likeness; he knew it was not, as he had regarded him closely

at his leisure in this very room.

"Did they mean that for him?" said Agnes. "The habit is the same,

but--"