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"And if, after all, we should be voluntarily placing ourselves in

prison?"

"What prison? With this trifling, excuse me, we shall never come

to any conclusion. Worthy Agnes! your plan is an excellent one."

So saying, she placed the basket on the table, and having passed

her arms through the straps, swung it over her shoulders.

"Could we not procure," said Don Abbondio, "some man to accompany

us? Should we encounter some ruffian on the way, what assistance

would you be to me?"

"Not done yet! always losing time!" cried Perpetua. "Go then, and

look for a man, and you will find every one engaged in his own

business, I warrant you. Come, take your breviary, and your hat,

and let us be off."