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"Just the reasoning of Perpetua," thought Don Abbondio, without

considering that this singular coincidence in judgment of

Frederick Borromeo and his servant, was an additional argument

against him.

"But you," pursued the cardinal, "you have only contemplated your

own danger. How is it possible that your personal safety can have

appeared of importance enough to sacrifice every thing to it?"

"Because I saw them, I saw those frightful faces," escaped from

Don Abbondio. "I heard those horrible words. Your illustrious

worship talks well, but you should have been in the place of your

poor priest, and have had the same thing happen to you."