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Renzo found it difficult enough to recollect the various turnings

pointed out by the priest, disturbed as his mind was by

apprehensions for the issue of his enquiries. An end was about to

be put to his doubts and fears; he was to be told, "she is

living," or, "she is dead!" This idea took such powerful

possession of his mind, that at this moment, he would rather have

remained in his former ignorance, and have been at the

commencement of the journey, to the end of which he so nearly

approached. He gathered courage, however. "Ah!" cried he, "if I

play the child now, how will it end!" Plunging therefore into the

heart of the city, he soon reached one of its most desolated

quarters, that which is called the Carrobio di Porta Nuova.