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When they had reached the middle of the apartment, the servant of

the cardinal entered, to inform him that he had executed the

orders of the chaplain, that the litter was ready, and that they

only waited for the female whom the curate was to bring. The

cardinal told him to inform Don Abbondio when the curate should

have arrived, and that afterwards all would be subject to his

orders and those of the Unknown, to whom he bade an affectionate

farewell, saying, "I shall expect you." Bowing to Don Abbondio,

he directed his steps, followed by the clergy in procession, to

the church.