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"God reward this signor!" said she; "your illustrious lordship

will thank him in our name, but do not say a word of the matter

to any one, because we live in a world-you will excuse me, I know

a man like your lordship does not tattle about such things,

but-you understand me."

Returning to her house, she shut herself up in her chamber, and

untied the packet; although she was prepared for the sight, she

was filled with wonder at seeing in her own power and in one heap

such a quantity of those coins which she had rarely ever seen

before, and never more than one at a time. She counted them over

and over again, and wrapping them carefully in a leather

covering, concealed them under one corner of her bed. The rest of

the day was employed in reverie and projects for the future, and

desires for the arrival of the morrow; the night was passed in

restless dreams, and vain imaginings of the blessings to be

produced by this gold; at break of day, she arose, and departed

for the villa of Donna Prassede.