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"Well, I will provide for you." He poured some water in a kettle

which hung over the fire, adding, "I will go and milk the cow,

and when I return with the milk, the water will be ready, and we

will have a good polenta. You, in the mean while, change your

clothes." After having allowed him time to perform the

troublesome operation, his friend returned, and commenced making

the polenta. "I have much to tell you," said Renzo. "If you were

to see Milan! and the lazaretto! She is there! you will soon see

her here; she will be my wife; you shall be at the wedding, and,

pestilence or not, we will be happy for a few hours."