Seite 689 von 1118

At this moment the Unknown appeared at the door. Lucy, who, a few

moments before, had desired earnestly to see him-nay, having no

other hope in the world, had desired to see none but him-now that

she was so unexpectedly in the presence of friends, was, for a

moment, overcome with terror. Shuddering with horror, she hid her

face on the shoulder of the good dame. Beholding the innocent

girl, on whom the evening before he had not had resolution to fix

his eyes; beholding her countenance, pale, and changed, from

fasting and prolonged suffering, the Unknown hesitated; but

perceiving her impulse of terror, he cast down his eyes, and,

after a moment's silence, exclaimed, "It is true! forgive me!"

"He comes to save you; he is not the same man; he has become

good. Do you hear him ask your forgiveness?" whispered the dame

in the ear of Lucy.

"Could any one say more? Come, lift up your head; do not play the

child. We can go away now, immediately," said Don Abbondio.