Pagina 246 di 1118

After an evening such as we have described, and a night passed in

painful thoughts both in regard to recent events and future

anticipations-disturbed, indeed, by the frequent joltings of

their incommodious vehicle,-our travellers felt a little rest in

their retired apartment at the inn highly necessary. They partook

of a small meal together, not more in proportion to the

prevailing want, than to their own slender appetites; and

recurred with a sigh to the delightful festivities, which, two

days before, were to have accompanied their happy union. Renzo

would willingly have remained with his companions all the day, to

secure their lodging and perform other little offices. But they

strongly alleged the injunctions of Father Christopher, together

with the gossiping to which their continuing together would give

rise, so that he at length acquiesced.