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"Many!" cried Don Abbondio; and beginning with Perpetua, he gave

a long list of individuals, and even whole families. Renzo

expected, it is true, a similar recital; but hearing the names of

so many acquaintances, friends, and relations, he was absorbed by

his affliction, and could only exclaim, from time to time,

"Misery! misery! misery!"

"And it is not yet over," pursued Don Abbondio. "If those who

remain do not listen to reason, and calm the heat of their

brains, it will be the end of the world."

"Do not concern yourself; I do not intend to remain here."

"Heaven be praised! you talk reason at last. Go at once--"

"Do not trouble yourself about it; the affair belongs to me. I

think I have arrived at years of discretion. I hope you will tell

no one that you have seen me. You are a priest, and I am one of

your flock; you will not betray me?"