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"Another drop, another drop," filling his glass, and endeavouring

to force him to sit down again; "another drop!"

But his friend contrived to disengage himself; and leaving Renzo,

pouring forth a torrent of entreaties and reproaches, he

departed. Renzo continued to talk until he was in the street, and

then fell back on his seat. He looked at the glass which he had

filled to the brim; and seeing the boy pass before the table, he

beckoned to him, as if he had something particular to

communicate. He pointed to the glass, and with a tone of

solemnity said, "See there! I prepared it for that worthy man;

you see it is full, as it should be for a friend; but he would

not have it. Sometimes people have singular ideas; however, I

have shown my good will; but now, since the thing is done, it

must not be lost." So saying, he emptied it at one draught.

"I understand," said the boy, moving off.

"You understand too, do you? It is true, when the reasons are

sufficient--"