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Their affairs now went on prosperously. Before the year was

completed, a beautiful little creature made her appearance, as if

to give them the earliest opportunity of fulfilling Lucy's vow.

Be assured it was named Maria. In the course of time, they were

surrounded by others of both sexes, whom Agnes was delighted to

carry about one after the other, calling them little rogues, and

loading them with kisses. They were all taught to read and write;

"for," said Renzo, "as this notion is in the country, we may as

well take advantage of it."

It was highly pleasing to hear him relate his adventures: he

always concluded by naming the great things he had learnt, by

which to govern his conduct for the future. "I have learnt," said

he, "not to mix in quarrels; not to preach in public; not to

drink more than I want; not to keep my hand on the knocker of a

door, when the inhabitants of the place are all crazy; not to tie

a little bell to my feet, before I think of the consequences."