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She then preferred her request, and having obtained a compliance

with it, bade farewell to her daughter and the signora, promising

a speedy return.

The journey was without accident; early in the morning they

arrived at Pescarenico. Here Agnes took leave of her conductor,

with many thanks for the obligation he had conferred on her; and

as she was before the convent gates, she determined to speak with

the good friar before she proceeded homeward. She pulled the

bell-the friar Galdino, whom we may remember as the nut

collector, appeared to answer it.

"Oh! good dame, what good wind brings you here?"

"I come to see Father Christopher!"

"Father Christopher? He is not here!"

"No? will it be long before he returns? Where is he gone?"

"To Rimini."

"To--?"

"To Rimini."

"Where is that?"

"Eh! eh! eh!" replied the friar, extending his arms, as if to

indicate a great distance.

"Miserable that I am! But why did he go so suddenly?"

"Because the father provincial would have it so."