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"Yes, Lucy, you do well to invoke the Virgin. She is the mother

of compassion, and will take no pleasure in our sufferings. But,

if this is an excuse-if I have become odious to you-tell me,

speak frankly--"

"For pity, Renzo, for pity, stop-stop. Do not make me die. Go to

Father Christopher; commend me to him. Do not return here-do not

return here."

"I go, but think not I will not return. I would return from the

end of the world; yes, I would return!" and he disappeared.

Lucy threw herself on the floor near the bed, upon which she

rested her head, and wept bitterly. The good woman, who had been

a silent spectator of the painful scene, demanded the cause of

her anguish and her tears? But, perhaps, the reader will wish to

know something of this benevolent person: we will satisfy the

desire in a few words.