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No one, however, could supply the place of Agnes to Renzo, not

only on account of the particular affection she bore him, but she

alone possessed the key to the solution of all his difficulties.

He hesitated awhile whether he had not best go in search of her,

as she was not very far off; but recollecting that he knew

nothing of the fate of Lucy, he adhered to his first intention of

gaining all the information he could concerning her, and carrying

the result to her mother. He learnt from his friend, however,

many things of which he was ignorant, others were explained which

he only knew by halves, with regard to the adventures of Lucy,

and the persecutions she had undergone. He was also informed that

Don Roderick had left the village, and had not returned.