صفحة 788 من 1118

Don Abbondio would have loudly accused himself, and deplored his

conduct, had not the idea of Don Roderick still obtruded itself

into his thoughts; however, his feeling was sufficiently apparent

to convince the cardinal that his words had at last produced some

effect.

"Now," pursued Frederick, "one of these unfortunate beings is a

fugitive afar off, the other on the point of departure; both have

but too much reason to keep asunder, without any present

probability of being re-united. Now, alas! they have no need of

you; now, alas! you have no longer the opportunity to do them

good, and our short foresight can assure us of but little of the

future. But who knows, if God in his compassion is not preparing

the occasion for you? Ah! do not let it escape; seek it, watch

for it, implore it as a blessing."

"I shall not fail, my lord-I shall not fail to do so, I assure

you," replied Don Abbondio, in a tone that came from the heart.