Pagina 526 di 1118

He was upon the point of renouncing the enterprise, of going to

Milan, of mixing in its pleasures, and thus drowning all

remembrance of Lucy; but, in place of relief, would he not find

there fresh food for vexation? Attilio had certainly told the

story, and every one would ask him about the mountain girl! What

reply would he be obliged to give? He had been outwitted by a

capuchin and a clown; and, moreover, when a happy unexpected

chance had rid him of the one, and a skilful friend removed the

other, then he, like a simpleton, abandoned the undertaking!

There was enough in this to prevent his ever lifting up his head

in the society of his equals; or else to compel him to go among

them sword in hand! And on the other hand, how could he return

and remain in this spot, where he would be tormented by the

remembrance of his passion, and the disgrace of its failure. How

resolve? What do? Shall he go forward? Shall he draw back?