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"Think you that it did not come into his mind?" replied Agnes;

"but he would not speak of it."

"Why?" exclaimed they, both at once.

"Why?-because, if you must know it, the friars do not approve of

it."

"If it is not right," said Lucy, "we must not do it."

"What!" said Agnes, "do you think I would advise you to do that

which is not right? If, against the advice of your parents, you

were going to marry a rogue-but, on the contrary, I am rejoiced

at your choice, and he who causes the disturbance is the only

villain; and the curate--"

"It is as clear as the sun," said Renzo.

"It is not necessary to speak of it to Father Christopher,"

continued Agnes. "Once over, what do you think he will say to

you? 'Ah! daughter, it was a great error; but it is done.' The

friars must talk thus; but, believe me, in his heart he will be

well content."

Lucy made no reply to an argument which did not appear to her

very powerful; but Renzo, quite encouraged, said, "If it be thus,

the thing is done."