Pagina 179 di 1118

"What do I mean? I mean to say that he may have a hundred

thousand devils in his soul, but he is flesh and blood

notwithstanding."

"No, no, for the love of Heaven!" said Lucy, but tears choked her

voice.

"It is not a theme for jesting," said Agnes.

"For jesting?" cried Renzo, stopping before her, with his

countenance inflamed by anger; "for jesting! you will see if I am

in jest."

"Oh! Renzo!" said Lucy, sobbing, "I have never seen you thus

before!"

"Hush, hush!" said Agnes, "speak not in this manner. Do you not

fear the law, which is always to be had against the poor? And,

besides, how many arms would be raised at a word!"

"I fear nothing," said Renzo; "the villain is well protected, dog

that he is! but no matter. Patience and resolution! and the time

will come. Yes! justice shall be done! I will free the country!

People will bless me! Yes, yes."