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"I promise," said Renzo.

Lucy drew a long breath, as if relieved from a weight, and Agnes

was loud in applauses.

"Listen, my children," resumed Father Christopher: "I will go

myself to-day to speak to this man: if God touches his heart

through my words, well; if not, He will provide some other

remedy. In the mean time keep yourselves quiet and retired; this

evening, or to-morrow at the latest, you shall see me again."

Having said this, he departed amidst thanks and blessings.

He arrived at the convent in time to perform his daily duty in

the choir, dined, and then pursued his way towards the den of the

wild beast he had undertaken to tame.