Pagina 1062 de 1118

"Yes, Lucy, you do well to invoke the Virgin. She is the mother

of compassion, and will take no pleasure in our sufferings. But,

if this is an excuse-if I have become odious to you-tell me,

speak frankly--"

"For pity, Renzo, for pity, stop-stop. Do not make me die. Go to

Father Christopher; commend me to him. Do not return here-do not

return here."

"I go, but think not I will not return. I would return from the

end of the world; yes, I would return!" and he disappeared.

Lucy threw herself on the floor near the bed, upon which she

rested her head, and wept bitterly. The good woman, who had been

a silent spectator of the painful scene, demanded the cause of

her anguish and her tears? But, perhaps, the reader will wish to

know something of this benevolent person: we will satisfy the

desire in a few words.