صفحة 888 من 1118

"It is no likeness, is it?" said the tailor; "that is what I

always say, but other things being wanting, there is at least his

name under it, which tells who it is."

Don Abbondio being impatient to be gone, the tailor went in

search of a vehicle to carry the little company to the foot of

the ascent, and returned in a few moments to inform them it was

ready. "Signor curate," said he, "if you wish a few books to

carry with you, I can lend you some; for I amuse myself sometimes

with reading. They are not like yours, to be sure, being in the

vulgar tongue, but--"

"A thousand thanks, but under present circumstances I have

scarcely brains enough to read my breviary."

After an exchange of thanks, invitations, and promises, they bade

farewell, and pursued, with a little more tranquillity of mind,

the remainder of their journey.