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Agnes, indeed, even whilst they were speaking of her, was very

near; it is easy to imagine the feelings of the poor woman at so

unexpected an invitation, at the intelligence, necessarily

confused and incomplete, of a peril which was passed, but of a

frightful peril, of an obscure adventure, of which the messenger

knew not the circumstances, and could give no explanation, and

for which she could find no clue from previous facts. "Ah, great

God! ah, holy Virgin!" escaped from her lips, mingled with

useless questions, during the journey. On the road she met Don

Abbondio, who, by the aid of his staff, was travelling homewards.

Uttering an exclamation of surprise, Agnes made the driver stop.

She alighted, and with the curate withdrew into a grove of

chestnuts, which was on the side of the road. Don Abbondio

informed her of all he had seen and known: much obscurity still

rested upon his statement, but at least Agnes ascertained that

Lucy was now in safety.