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Renzo, if thou canst, come there to me; but, if prevented by any

accident, send some trusty messenger, by whom I can make known to

you the success of my endeavours. Night approaches; I must return

to the convent. Farewell! Faith and courage!" So saying, he

departed, and hastened by the most abrupt but shortest road, to

reach the convent in time, and escape the usual reprimand; or,

what was worse, the imposition of some penance, which might

disenable him, for the following day, from continuing his efforts

in favour of his proteges.

"Did you hear him speak of a clue which he holds to aid us?" said

Lucy; "it is best to trust in him; he is a man who does not make

rash promises."

"He ought to have spoken more clearly," said Agnes; "or at least

have taken me aside, and told me what it was."

"I'll put an end to the business; I'll put an end to it," said

Renzo, pacing furiously up and down the room.

"Oh! Renzo!" exclaimed Lucy.

"What do you mean?" said Agnes.