Pagina 717 di 1118

A few moments after, the curate of the village entered, saying

that he was sent by the cardinal for intelligence concerning

Lucy, and also to inform her that he desired to see her that day;

then he thanked, in his lordship's name, her kind hosts for their

benevolence and hospitality. All three, moved to tears, could not

find words to reply to such a message from such a person.

"Has your mother not yet arrived?" said the curate to Lucy.

"My mother!" cried she.