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The former advanced immediately, and at the same time was heard,

amidst the crowd, a me? uttered in a tone of surprise.

"Are you not the curate of ***?" said the chaplain.

"Certainly; but--"

"His most illustrious and reverend lordship asks for you."

"Me?" replied he, and Don Abbondio advanced from the crowd with

an air of amazement and anxiety. The chaplain led the way, and

introduced them both to the presence of the cardinal.