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At this moment, the cardinal was conversing with Don Abbondio on

the affairs of his parish; so that the latter had no opportunity

to repeat his instructions to the females; however, in passing by

them as they entered, he gave them a glance, to make them

comprehend that he was well satisfied with them, and that they

should continue, like honest and worthy women, to keep silence.

After the first reception, Agnes drew from her bosom the letter

of Donna Prassede, and gave it to the cardinal, saying, "It is

from the Signora Donna Prassede, who says that she knows your

illustrious lordship well, my lord, as naturally is the case with

great people. When you have read, you will see."