Pagina 1053 de 1118

As he stooped to unloose the strap of the little bell, he rested

his head against the straw wall of one of the cabins; a voice

reached his ear. O Heaven! is it possible? His whole soul was in

his ear, he scarcely breathed. Yes! yes! it was that voice! "Fear

of what?" said that gentle voice; "we have passed through worse

dangers than a tempest. He who has watched over us until now,

will still continue to do so."

Renzo scarcely breathed, his knees trembled, his sight became

dim; with a great effort recovering his faculties, he went to the

door of the cabin, and beheld her who had spoken! She was

standing, leaning over a bed; she turned at the sound of his

steps, and gazed for a moment bewildered; at last she exclaimed,

"Oh! blessed Lord!"

"Lucy! I have found you again! I have found you again! It is,

indeed, you! You live!" cried Renzo, advancing with trembling

steps.

"Oh! blessed Lord!" cried Lucy, greatly agitated; "is it indeed

you? How? Why? the pestilence--"

"I have had it. And you?"