Pagina 878 di 1118

She naturally supposed, that in a time of such consternation, the

poor man would be more alarmed than herself, and might acquiesce

in her plan; this was, therefore, the purpose of her visit.

Finding him alone with Perpetua, she made known her intentions.

"What do you say to it, Perpetua?" asked Don Abbondio.

"I say that it is an inspiration from Heaven, and that we must

lose no time, and set off immediately."

"But then--"

"But then, but then; when we have arrived safely there, we shall

be very glad, that's all. It is well known that this signor

thinks of nothing now but doing good to others, and he will

afford us an asylum with the greatest pleasure. There, on the

frontiers, and almost in the sky, the soldiers will not trouble

us. But then-but then, we shall have enough to eat, no doubt. On

the top of the mountains, the provisions we have here with us

would not serve us long."

"Is it true that he is really converted?"

"Can you doubt it, after all you have seen?"