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"I understand," said Renzo, "you have still a little pain in your

head, but listen to me." And he described the state in which he

had seen Don Roderick.

"That has nothing to do with us," said Don Abbondio. "Did I say

no to you? However, while there is life there is hope, you know.

Look at me; I have also been nearer the other world than this,

and here I am nevertheless; and if new troubles do not fall upon

me, I hope to remain here a little longer."

The conversation was prolonged some time, without coming to any

satisfactory conclusion, and Renzo returned home to relate it. "I

came off," said he, "because I feared I should lose all patience.

At times he behaved exactly as he did before, and I verily

believe if I had remained a little longer, he would have spoken

Latin again. I see that all this portends a tedious business. It

would be better to do as he says, and go and be married where we

intend to live."