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"I will tell you. I will go with you; I have a secret to tell

her, which will engage her so that she will not see you. I will

take her aside, and will touch such a chord-you shall see."

"Bless you!" exclaimed Renzo, "I have always said you were our

best support."

"But all this will do no good," said Agnes, "if we cannot

persuade Lucy, who obstinately persists that it is sinful."

Renzo made use of all his eloquence, but Lucy was not to be

moved. "I know not what to say to your arguments," replied she.

"I perceive that to do this, we shall degrade ourselves so far as

to lie and deceive. Ah! Renzo, let us not so abase ourselves! I

would be your wife" (and a blush diffused itself over her lovely

countenance), "I would be your wife, but in the fear of God-at

the altar. Let us trust in Him who is able to provide. Do you not

think He will find a way to help us, far better than all this

deception? And why make a mystery of it to Father Christopher?"