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"What do I say? That even that misfortune might have befallen

me," replied Don Abbondio.

"You have chosen an excellent asylum, however; for none can

ascend those heights without the consent of the master. You will

find a numerous company there. Many people have already fled

thither, and there are fresh arrivals every day."

"I dare to hope we shall be well received. I know this worthy

signor: when I had the honour to be in his company he was all

politeness."

"And," said Agnes, "he sent me word by his illustrious lordship,

that if ever I should need assistance, I had only to apply to

him."

"What a wonderful conversion!" resumed Don Abbondio. "And he

perseveres? does he not persevere?"

The tailor spoke at length of the holy life of the Unknown, and

said, that after having been the scourge of the country, he had

become its best example and benefactor.