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"Is she not vicious in the least?" asked Don Abbondio of the

servant, with his foot in the stirrup.

"Be quite easy, she is a lamb," replied he. Don Abbondio climbed

to the saddle, by the aid of the servant, and was at last safely

mounted.

The litter, which was a few steps in advance, moved at a call

from the driver, and the convoy departed.

They had to pass before the church, which was crowded with

people, and through a small square, which was filled with

villagers from abroad, who had not been able to find a place

within the walls of the church. The report had already spread;

and when they saw the carriage appear, and beheld the man who a

few hours before had been the object of terror and execration, a

confused murmur of applause rose from the crowd. They made way to

let him pass; at the same time each one endeavoured to obtain a

sight of him. When he arrived in front of the church, he took off

his hat, and bowed his head in reverence, amidst the tumultuous

din of many voices, which exclaiming "God bless you!" Don

Abbondio took off his hat also, bent his head, and commended

himself to the protection of heaven; and, hearing the voices of

his brethren in the choir, he could not restrain his tears.