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"It is with the Lord that care rests; the Lord and the holy

Virgin. I have placed myself in their hands; they have never yet

abandoned me, they will not abandon me now that--The favour I ask

of God, the only favour, after the safety of my soul, is to be

restored to you, my beloved mother! He will grant it, yes, he

will grant it. That fatal day--in the carriage--Oh! most holy

Virgin! Those men--who would have thought I should be the next

day with you?"

"But why not tell your mother at once?"

"Forgive me, I had not the heart--What use was there in

afflicting you sooner?"

"And Renzo?" said Agnes, shaking her head.

"Ah!" cried Lucy, starting, "I must think no more of the poor

youth. God has not intended--You see it appears to be his will

that we should separate. And who knows?--But no, no; the Lord

will preserve him from every danger, and render him, perhaps,

happier without me."