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The poor curate was sad in the midst of the public joy; the

tumult bewildered him; the movement of so many people, before and

behind, disturbed him; and, moreover, he was tormented by the

secret apprehension that the women had tattled, and that he

should be obliged to render an account of his conduct to the

cardinal.

Frederick appeared at last, or rather the crowd appeared, in the

midst of which was his litter, and the retinue surrounding it.

The persons who followed Don Abbondio scattered and mingled

themselves with the crowd, notwithstanding all his remonstrances;

and he, poor man, finding himself deserted by them, went to the

church, there to await the cardinal's approach.