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He saw the Father Felix on the portico of the church, and by his

attitude comprehended that the holy man was addressing the

assembled convalescents. He placed himself where he could

overlook the audience. In the midst were the women, covered with

veils; Renzo gazed at them intently, but finding that, from the

place where he stood, it would be a vain scrutiny, he directed

his attention to the father. He was touched by his venerable

figure; and listened with all the attention his own solicitude

would allow, to the reverend speaker, who thus proceeded in his

affecting address:-