Page 765 of 1118

At the sound of the bell which announced the commencement of the

ceremonies, all moved towards the church. The ceremonies over,

Don Abbondio, who had hastened home to see every thing arranged

for breakfast, was told that the cardinal wished to speak with

him. He proceeded to the chamber of his illustrious guest, who

accosted him as he entered, with "Signor Curate, why did you not

unite in marriage, Lucy to her betrothed?"

"They have emptied the sack this morning," thought Don Abbondio,

and he stammered forth, "Your illustrious lordship has no doubt

heard of all the difficulties of that business. It has been such

an intricate affair, that it cannot even now be seen into

clearly. Your illustrious lordship knows that the young girl is

here, only by a miracle; and that no one can tell where the young

man is."

"I ask if it is true, that, before these unhappy events, you

refused to celebrate the marriage on the day agreed upon? and why

you did so?"