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They were received with open arms, and cordially welcomed; Agnes,

embracing the good hostess, wept bitterly; replying with sobs to

the questions her husband and she asked concerning Lucy.

"She is better off than we are," said Don Abbondio; "she is at

Milan, sheltered from danger, far from these horrible scenes."

"The signor curate and his companions are fugitives, are they

not?" said the tailor.

"Yes," replied, at the same time, Perpetua and her master.

"I sympathise with your misfortunes."

"We are going to the castle of--"

"That is well thought of; you will be as safe as in Paradise."

"And are you not afraid here?"

"We are too much off the road. If they should turn out of their

way, we shall be warned in time."

The three travellers decided to take a few hours' rest: as it was

the hour of dinner, "Do me the honour," said the tailor, "to

partake of my humble fare."