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She had decided not to wait the approach of the dangerous guests,

alone as she was, and with the gold of the Unknown in her

possession; but had remained some time in doubt where to seek an

asylum. The residue of the crowns, which in time of famine would

have been so great a treasure, was now the principal cause of her

anxiety and irresolution; as, under the present circumstances,

those who had money were worse off than others; being exposed at

the same time to the violence of strangers, and the treachery of

their companions. It is true, none knew of the wealth which had

thus, as it were, fallen to her from heaven, except Don Abbondio,

to whom she had often applied to change a crown, leaving him

always some part of it for those more unfortunate than herself.

But hidden property, above all, to those not accustomed to such a

possession, keeps the possessor in continual suspicion of others.