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As if restored to strength in an instant, Lucy stood up, and

fixing her eyes again on their faces, she said, "The Virgin has

sent you, then!"

"I have no doubt of it," said the good lady.

"But is it true, that we may go away? Is it true indeed?" resumed

Lucy, lowering her voice to a timid and fearful tone. "And all

these people," continued she, with her lips compressed, and

trembling from alarm and horror; "and this lord-this man-he

promised me indeed."

"He is here also in person with us," said Don Abbondio. "He is

without, expecting us; let us go at once; we must not make such a

man wait."