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"This is the way of the world!" thought Don Abbondio again; "to

this devil incarnate," (referring to the Unknown,) "his arms

around his neck; and to me, for a half lie, reproaches without

end! But you are our superiors; of course you are right. It is my

star, that all the world is against me, not excepting the

saints." He continued aloud,-"I have done wrong! I see that I

have done wrong. But what could I do in so embarrassing a

situation?"