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"Hear me, good woman-Father Christopher was truly a good man, but

we have others equally so; there is Father Antanasio, Father

Girolamo, Father Zaccaria! Father Zaccaria is a worthy man! And

you must not wonder, as some ignorant people do, at his shrill

voice and his little beard; I do not say that he is a preacher,

because every one has his talent; but to give advice, he is the

man."

"Oh! holy patience!" cried Agnes, with a mixture of gratitude and

vexation one feels at an offer containing more good-will than

suitableness; "What is it to me what another man is, when he who

is gone knew our affairs, and had every thing prepared to help

us!"

"Then you must have patience."

"I know that. Excuse the trouble I have given you."

"That is of no consequence, my good woman; I pity you; if you

decide upon asking advice of one of the fathers, you will find

the convent still in its place. But let me see you soon, when I

collect the oil."