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Lucy could not conceal her tears; Renzo with difficulty

restrained his; and, warmly pressing the hand of Agnes, he

pronounced with a voice almost choked, "Till we meet again."

The mother and daughter would have been in great perplexity, had

it not been for the kind driver, who had orders to conduct them

to the convent, which was at a little distance from the village.

Upon their arrival there, the guide requested the porter to call

the superior: he appeared, and the letter of Father Christopher

was delivered to him. "Oh, from Father Christopher!" said he,

recognising the handwriting. His voice and manner told evidently

that he uttered the name of one whom he regarded as a particular

friend. During the perusal of the letter, he manifested much

surprise and indignation, and, raising his eyes, fixed them on

Lucy and her mother with an expression of pity and interest.