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"From their actions, my good fellow; men are known by their

actions. He who drinks wine without criticising it; he who shows

the face of the king on the counter without prattling; he who

does not quarrel with other customers, and, if he has a blow or

two to give, goes away from the inn, so that the poor host need

not suffer from it; he is an honest man. But what the devil makes

you so inquisitive, when you are engaged to be married, and

should have other things in your head? And with this mince-meat

before you, which would make the dead revive?" So saying, he

returned to the kitchen.

The supper was not very agreeable; the two guests would have

lingered over the unusual luxury; but Renzo, preoccupied, and

troubled and uneasy at the singular appearance of the strangers,

longed for the hour of departure. He conversed in brief

sentences, and in an under tone, so that he might not be

overheard by them.