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The funeral convoy having passed on, he crossed the square, and

reached the Borgo Nuovo by the bridge Marcellino. He perceived a

priest standing before a half-open door, in an attitude of

attention, as if he were confessing some one. "Here," said he,

"is my man. If a priest, and in the discharge of his duty, has no

benevolence, there is none left in the world who has." When he

was at a few paces distance from him, he took off his hat, and

made a sign that he wished to speak with him, keeping, however,

at a discreet distance, so as not to alarm the good man

unnecessarily. Renzo having made his request, was directed to the

hotel. "May God watch over you now and for ever!" said Renzo,

"and," added he, "I would ask another favour." And he mentioned

the poor forgotten woman. The worthy man thanked him for

affording him the opportunity to bestow help where it was so

greatly needed, and bade him farewell.