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Towards their elucidation, the one supplies philological notices

upon the text; the other, commentaries upon the hidden matter; so

that, after mature discussion, they may come to the same

understanding between themselves, however remote that may be from

the intention of the originator of the perplexity.

This was precisely the condition of our two correspondents.

The first letter from Renzo contained many details; he informed

Agnes of the circumstance of his flight, his subsequent

adventures, and his actual situation. These events, however, were

rather hinted at, than clearly explained, so that Agnes and her

interpreter were far from drawing any definite conclusions from

the relation of them. He spoke of secret information, of a change

of name; that he was in safety, but that he was obliged to keep

himself concealed; further, the letter contained pressing and

passionate enquiries with regard to Lucy, with some obscure

references to the reports which had reached him, mingled with

vague expressions of hope, and plans for the future, and

affectionate exhortations to constancy and patience.