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Don Abbondio, at this exhibition of confidence and affection, was

like a timid child, who beholds a man caressing fearlessly a

rough-looking mastiff, renowned for his ferocity and strength. It

is in vain that the master assures him the dog is a good quiet

beast: he looks at him, neither contradicting nor assenting; he

looks at the dog, and dares not approach him, lest the good beast

might show his teeth, if only from habit; he dares not retreat,

from fear of the imputation of cowardice; but he heartily wishes

himself safe "at home!"