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"No, no, you know not what you say; you know not what it is to

make a vow! Leave me, leave me, for the love of Heaven!"

"Lucy!" said Renzo, "tell me at least, tell me, if this reason

did not exist--would you feel the same towards me?"

"Unfeeling man!" said Lucy, with difficulty restraining her

tears; "would it satisfy you to hear me confess that which might

be sinful, and would certainly be useless! Leave me, oh! leave

me! forget me! we were not destined for each other. We shall meet

again above; we have not long to remain in the world. Go! tell my

mother that I am cured, that even here God has assisted me, that

I have found a good soul, this worthy woman who has been a mother

to me; tell her we shall meet when it is the will of God, and as

it is his will. Go! for the love of Heaven! and remember me no

more--except when you pray to God!"

And as if wishing to withdraw from the temptation to prolong the

conversation, she drew near the bed where the female was lying of

whom she had spoken.