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"Are they here?"

"Yes; and as soon as possible, they will be man and wife."

"I request you to tell me what I can do for them, and the best

manner of doing it. You will render me a service by enabling me

to dispose of some of my superfluous wealth for their benefit."

"May Heaven reward you! I thank you in the name of my children,"

said Don Abbondio; "and since your lordship allows me, I have an

expedient to suggest which perhaps will not displease you. These

good people have resolved to establish themselves elsewhere, and

to sell the little that belongs to them here. The best charity

you can render them, is to buy their property, as otherwise it

will be sold for little or nothing. But your lordship will

decide, I have spoken in obedience to your commands."