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"Be quiet," replied Don Abbondio, in a low but angry tone, "be

quiet; you know not what you say. Pray Heaven that the army may

be in haste to proceed on its march, so that they may not gain

information of this place being disposed like a garrison. They

would ask for nothing better; an assault is mere play to them,

and putting every one to the sword like going to a wedding. Oh,

poor me! perhaps I can secure a place of safety on one of these

precipices. I will never be taken in battle! I will never be

taken in battle! I never will!"

"If you are even afraid of being defended--" returned Perpetua;

but Don Abbondio sharply interrupted her.

"Be quiet, and take care not to relate this conversation.

Remember you must always keep a pleasant countenance here, and

appear to approve all that you see."