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For some time this disaster was the source of continual disputes

between Perpetua and her master; the former having discovered

that some of the property, which they supposed to have been taken

by the soldiers, was actually in possession of certain people of

the village, she tormented him incessantly to claim it. There

could not have been touched a chord more hateful to Don Abbondio,

since the property was in the hands of that class of persons with

whom he had it most at heart to live in peace.

"But I don't wish to know these things," said he. "How many times

must I tell you that what has happened has? Must I get myself

into trouble again, because my house has been robbed?"

"You would suffer your eyes to be pulled from your head, I verily

believe," said Perpetua; "others hate to be robbed, but you, you

seem to like it."

"This is pretty language to hold, indeed! Will you be quiet?"