Pagina 458 van 1118

Renzo struggled and exclaimed, "What treachery is this? to an

honest man!" But the notary, who had fair words prepared for

every occasion, said, "Be patient, they only do their duty. What

would you have? It is a mere ceremony. We cannot treat people as

we would wish. If we did not obey orders, we should be worse off

than you. Be patient."

As he spoke, the two operators twisted the pegs; Renzo plunged

like a skittish horse upon the bit, and cried, "Patience,

indeed!"