Page:Manzoni - The Betrothed, 1834.djvu/416

 not made such ravages as it has here. But you, I say"

"I am glad of that. And Father Christopher?"

"He has been gone this long time. But you"

"I heard that,—but has he not returned?"

"Oh no, we have heard nothing of him. But you"

"I am sorry for it."

"But you, I say, what do you do here? For the love of Heaven, have you forgotten that little circumstance of the order for your apprehension?"

"What matters it? people have other things to think of now. I came here to see about my own affairs."

"There is nothing to see about; there is no one here now. It is the height of rashness in you to venture here, with this little difficulty impending. Listen to an old man who has more prudence than yourself, and who speaks to you from the love he bears you. Depart at once, before any one sees you, return whence you came. Do you think the air of this place good for you? Know you not that they have been here on the search for you?"

"I know it too well, the rascals."

"But then"

"But, I tell you, they think no more about it. And he, does he yet live? is he here?"

"I tell you there is no one here; I tell you to think no more of the affairs of this place; I tell you that"

"I ask you if he is here;"

"Oh, just Heaven! Speak in another manner. Is it possible you still retain so much warmth, after all that has happened?"

"Is he here, or is he not?"

"He is not. But the plague, my son, the plague keeps every one from travelling at present."

"If the pestilence was all that we need fear—I speak for myself, I have had it, and I fear it not."

"You had better render thanks to Heaven. And"

"I do, from the bottom of my heart."

"And not go in search of other evils, I say. Listen to my advice."