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Entering the church, the cardinal advanced to the altar, and

after having prayed some time, he addressed, as was his custom,

some words to the people, on his love for them, on his desire for

their salvation, and how they should dispose their minds for the

duties of the morrow. He then withdrew to the house of the

curate, and among other questions which he put to him, he

interrogated him with regard to the character and conduct of

Renzo. Don Abbondio replied that he was rather choleric and

obstinate: but as the cardinal made more special and precise

enquiries, he was obliged to confess that he was an honest

peaceable youth, and even he himself could not comprehend how he

had committed at Milan the conduct which had been imputed to him.

"As to the young girl," continued the cardinal, "do you think she

can return now with safety to her house?"