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"I know it but too well," said Renzo. They entered the cottage

together, each making numerous enquiries of the other. His friend

began to prepare the table for supper; he went out, and returned

in a few moments with a pitcher of milk, a little salt meat, and

some fruit. They seated themselves at table, at which the polenta

was not forgotten, mutually congratulating each other on their

interview. An absence of two years, and the circumstances under

which they met, revived and added new vigour to their former

friendship.