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The night was passed, by all three, in that state of agitation

and trouble which always precedes an important enterprise whose

issue is uncertain. Renzo returned early in the morning, and

Agnes and he busied themselves in concerting the operations of

the evening. Lucy was a mere spectator; but although she

disapproved these measures in her heart, she still promised to do

the best she could.

"Will you go to the convent, to speak to Father Christopher, as

he desired you last night?" said Agnes to Renzo.

"Oh! no," replied he, "the father would soon read in my

countenance that there was something on foot; and if he

interrogated me, I should be obliged to tell him. You had better

send some one."

"I will send Menico."

"Yes, that will do," replied Renzo, as he hurried off to make

farther arrangements.