Pagina 665 de 1118

The former, who had kept himself aloof, regarding with eager

curiosity the faces of the Unknown and the cardinal, now came

forward, saying, "I was told that your illustrious lordship

wished to see me; but I suppose it was a mistake."

"There is no mistake;" replied Frederick, "I have both a novel

and agreeable commission to give you. One of your parishioners,

whom you have regarded as lost, Lucy Mondella, is found; she is

near this, in the house of my good friend here. I wish you to go

with him, and a good woman whom the curate of this parish will

provide, and bring the poor girl, who must be so dear to you, to

this place."

Don Abbondio did his best to conceal the extreme alarm which such

a proposition caused him; and bowed profoundly, in sign of

obedience, first to the cardinal, and then to the Unknown, but

with a piteous look, which seemed to say, "I am in your hands; be

merciful: _parcere subjectis_."

The cardinal asked him of Lucy's relations.