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"Hush!" said Nibbio, in a severe tone. "Such questions must not

be answered."

Lucy attempted to throw herself from the door of the carriage,

but finding the effort vain, she had recourse again to

entreaties, and with her cheeks bathed in tears, and her voice

broken by sobs, she continued, "Oh, for the love of heaven, and

the holy Virgin, let me go! What harm have I done you? I am a

poor creature, who have never injured you; I forgive you all that

you have done, and will pray to God for you. If you have a

daughter, a wife, or a mother, think what they would suffer in my

situation. Remember that we must all die, and that one day you

will hope that God will show mercy to you. Let me go, let me go;

the Lord will guide me on my way."

"We cannot."

"You cannot? Great God! why can you not? Where are you taking

me?"

"We cannot; your supplications are useless. Do not be frightened;

we will not harm you. Be quiet; no one shall harm you."