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The young man hastened thither, with new and deeper trouble at

his heart. Easily distinguishing the house, he approached the

door, raised his hand to the knocker, and held it suspended

awhile, before he could summon resolution to knock.

At the sound, a window was half opened, and a female appeared at

it, looking towards the door with a countenance which appeared to

ask, "Is it monatti? thieves? or poisoners?"

"Signora," said Renzo, but in a tremulous voice, "is there not

here in service a young villager of the name of Lucy?"

"She is no longer here; begone," replied the woman, about to

close the window.

"A moment, I beseech you. She is no longer here! Where is she?"

"At the lazaretto."

"A moment, for the love of Heaven! With the pestilence?"

"Yes. It is something very uncommon, is it not? Begone then."

"Wait an instant. Was she very ill? Is it long since?"

But this time the window was closed entirely.