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It is impossible to describe the change which had come over him.

His mind, so long the slave of continual apprehension, was now

emancipated from its fetters, and his tongue, liberated from its

bonds, recurred to its former habits. He playfully prolonged the

conversation, even following them to the door, with some parting

jest.

The following morning, Don Abbondio received a visit, as

agreeable as it was unexpected, from the lord marquis, whose

appearance confirmed all that report had said of him. "I come,"

said he, "to bring you the salutations of the cardinal

archbishop."

"Oh, what condescension in both of you!"

"When I took leave of that incomparable man, who honours me with

his friendship, he spoke to me of two young people of this parish

who have suffered much from the unfortunate Don Roderick. My lord

wishes to hear of them. Are they living? Are their affairs

settled?"

"Their affairs are settled; and I had thought of writing to his

Eminence about it, but now that I have the honour--"