Pagina 877 di 1118

Now, whilst she reflected on the peculiar dangers to which she

was exposed, by the very generosity itself of the Unknown, the

offer of unlimited service, which had accompanied the gift,

suddenly occurred to her recollection. She remembered the

descriptions she had heard of his castle, as situated in a high

place, where, without the concurrence of the master, none dared

venture but the birds of heaven. Resolving to go thither, and

reflecting on the means of making herself known to this signor,

her thoughts recurred to Don Abbondio, who, since the

conversation with the archbishop, had been very particular in his

expression of good feeling towards her, as he could at present

be, without compromising himself, there being but little

probability, from the situation of affairs, that his benevolence

would be put to the test.