Page 667 of 1118

It appeared strange, however, that Don Abbondio should not have

inferred it from his manner, or that he should not have thought

so himself; the reluctance he evinced to comply with the request

of the cardinal appeared so out of place, that the latter

imagined there must be some secret cause for it. He looked at the

curate attentively, and quickly discovering the fears of the poor

man at becoming the companion of this formidable lord, or

entering his abode, even for a few moments, he felt an anxiety to

dissipate these terrors; and in order to do this, and not injure

the feelings of his new friend by talking privately to Don

Abbondio in his presence, he addressed his conversation to the

Unknown himself, so that Don Abbondio might perceive by his

answers, that he was no longer a man to be feared.

"Do not believe," said he, "that I shall be satisfied with this

visit to-day. You will return, will you not, in company with this

worthy ecclesiastic?"