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"Yes; but you ought to be prudent. I come from Milan; and have

been for two days in the midst of it. It is true I have changed

my clothes, but the contagion attaches itself to the flesh, like

witchcraft; and since God has preserved you until now, you must

take care of yourself until all danger is over; for you are our

mother, and I trust we shall live long together as a compensation

for the sufferings we have endured, I at least."

"But--"

"There is no longer any but; I know what you would say. You will

soon see there is no longer any but; come into the open air,

where I may speak to you in safety, and I will tell you all about

it."