 Chapter 6, Part 2 of the Bithroth. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sudeshna. The Bithroth by Alessandro Manzoni Chapter 6, Part 2. In the meantime, there had been plans proposed and debated in Lucia's cottage, with which it is necessary to acquaint the reader. After the departure of the friar, the three friends remained sometimes silent. Lucia with a sorrowful heart preparing the dinner. Renzu irresolute and changing his position every moment to avoid the sight of her mournful face, yet without heart to leave her. Agnes, apparently intent upon the reel she was winding, though in fact she was deliberating upon a plan, and when she thought it sufficiently matured, she broke the silence with these words. Listen, my children, if you have as much courage and dexterity as is required, if you will trust your mother, this your mother addressed to both made Lucia's heart bound within her. I will undertake to get you out of this difficulty. Better perhaps and more quickly than Father Christophero, though he is a man. Lucia stopped and looked at her mother with a face more expressive of wonder than of confidence in so magnificent a promise. And Renzu hastily exclaimed, courage, dexterity, tell me, tell me, what can we do? If you were married continued Agnes. It would be the great difficulty out of the way, wouldn't it? And couldn't we easily find a remedy for all the rest? Is there any doubt? said Renzu. If we were married, one may live anywhere, and at Bergamo, not far from here, a silk weaver would be received with open arms. You know how often my cousin Bortolo has wanted me to go and live with him? That I might make a fortune as he has done, and if I have never listened to him it is, you know, because my heart was here. Once married, we would all go together and live in blessed peace, out of the civilians' reach, and far from temptation to do a rash deed. Isn't it true Lucia? Yes, said Lucia, but how? As I have told you, replied Agnes, be bold and expert, and the thing is easy. Easy, at the same moment exclaimed the two lovers, to whom it had become so strangely and sadly difficult. Easy, if you know how to go about it, replied Agnes. Listen attentively to me, and I will try and make you understand it. I have heard say by people who ought to know, and I have seen it myself in one case, that to solemnize a marriage, a curate of course is necessary, but not as good will or consent. It is enough if he is present. How can this be? asked Renzu. Listen and you shall hear. There must be two witnesses, nimble and well-agreed. They must go to the priest. The point is to take him by surprise, that he may not have time to escape. The man says, Signore curate, this is my wife. The woman says, Signore curate, this is my husband. It is necessary that the curate and the witnesses hear it, and then the marriage is just as valid and sacred as if the pope had blessed it. When once the words are spoken, the curate may threaten fume and storm, but it will do no good. You are man and wife. Is it possible? exclaimed Lucia. What, said Agnes, do you think I have learnt nothing in the thirty years I was in the world before you? The thing is just as I told you, and a friend of mine is a proof of it, who wishing to be married against the will of her parents, did as I was saying and gained to end. The curate suspected it and was on the watch, but they knew so well how to go about it, that they arrived just at the right moment, said the words, and became man and wife. Though she poor thing repented of it before three days were over, it was in fact as Agnes had represented it. Managers contracted it in this manner were then, and are even to this day acknowledged valid. As however this expedient was never resorted to, but by those who had met with some obstacle or refusal in the ordinary method, the priest took great care to avoid such forced cooperation, and if one of them happened to be surprised by a couple, accompanied with witnesses, he tried every means of escape, like Proteus in the hands of those who would make him prophecy by force. If it were true Lucia, said Renzo, fixing his eyes upon her with the look of imploring expectation. What if it were true, replied Agnes, you think then I tell lies, I do my best for you and am not believed? Very well, get out of the difficulty as you can, I wash my hands of it. Ah, no, don't forsake us, cried Renzo. I said so because it appeared too good a thing. I place myself in your hands, and will consider you as if you were really my mother. These words instantly dispelled the momentary indignation of Agnes, and made her forget a resolution, which in reality had only been in word. But why then mother said Lucia in her usual gentle manner? Why didn't this plan come into Father Christopher's mind? Into his mind replied Agnes, do you think it didn't come into his mind? But he wouldn't speak of it. Why demanded they both advance? Because, because if you must know it, the friars think that it is not exactly a proper thing. How can it help standing firm and being well done when it is done? Said Renzo. How can I tell you, replied Agnes, other people have made the law as they pleased, and we poor people can't understand all. And then how many things? See, it is like giving a Christian a blow. It isn't right. But when it is once given, not even the Pope can recall it. If it isn't right, said Lucia, we ought not to do it. What? said Agnes. Would I give you advice contrary to the fear of God? If it were against the will of your parents and to marry a rogue, but when I am satisfied and it is to wed this youth, and he who makes all this disturbance is a villain, and the senior curate, it is as clear as the son, said Renzo. One did not speak to Father Christopher before doing it, continued Agnes. But when it is once done and has well succeeded, what do you think the father will say to you? Ah, daughter, it was a sad error, but it is done. The friars, you know, must talk so. But trust me, in his heart he will be very well satisfied. Without being able to answer such reasoning, Lucia did not think it appeared very convincing. But Renzo quite encouraged, said, since it is thus, the thing is done. Gently said Agnes, the witnesses, where are they to be found? Then how will you manage to get at the senior curate who has been shut up in his house two days? And how make him stand when you do get at him? For though he is weighty enough naturally, I dare venture to say, when he sees you make your appearance in such a guise, he will become as nimble as a cat and flee like the devil from holy water. I have found a way, I have found one, cried Renzo, striking the table with his clenched hand till he made the dinner-things quiver and rattle with the blow. And he proceeded to relate his design, which Agnes entirely approved. It is all confusion, said Lucia. It is not perfectly honest. Till now we have always acted sincerely. Let us go on in faith and God will help us. Father Christophero said so. Do listen to his advice. Be guided by those who know better than you, said Agnes gravely. What need is there to ask advice? God bids us help ourselves, and then he will help us. We will tell the Father all about it when it is over. Lucia said Renzo, will you fail me now? Have we not done all like good Christians? Or have we not now to have been man and wife? Didn't the curate himself fix the day and hour? And whose fault is it if we are now obliged to use a little cunning? No, no, you won't fail me. I am going, and will come back with an answer. So, saying, he gave Lucia an imploring look, and Agnes a very knowing glance, and hastily took his departure. It is said that trouble sharpens the wit, and Renzo, who in the upright and straightforward path he had hitherto followed, had never had occasion to sharpen his in any great degree, had in this instance planned a design that would have done honour to a lawyer. He went directly, as he had purposed, to a cottage near at hand, belonging to a certain tonio, whom he found busy in the kitchen, with one knee resting on the stand of a shaffing dish, holding in his right hand the handle of a saucepan that stood on the burning embers, and stirring with a broken rolling pin, a little grey polenta, one of turkey flour, the mother, brother, and wife of tonio were seated at the table, and three or four little children stood around, waiting, with eyes eagerly fixed on the saucepan, till the gruel should be ready to pour out. But the pleasure was wanting which the sight of dinner usually gives to those who have earned it by hard labour. The quantity of the polenta was rather in proportion to the times than to the number and inclinations of the household, and each one eyeing the common food with envious looks of strong desire seemed to be measuring the extent of appetite likely to survive it. While Renzo was exchanging salutations with the family, tonio poured out the polenta into the wooden trencher that stood ready to receive it, and it looked like a little moon in a large circle of vapor. Nevertheless, the women courteously said to Renzo, will you take some with us? A compliment that the Lombard peasant never fails to pay to anyone who finds him at a meal, even though the visitor were a rich glutton just risen from table, and he were at the last mouthful. Thank you, replied Renzo. I only came to say a word or two to tonio, and if you like tonio, not to disturb your family, we can go dine at the inn and talk there. This proposal was as acceptable to tonio as it was unexpected, and the women not unwilling saw one competitor from the polenta removed. And that the most formidable. Tonio did not require a second asking, and they set off together. Arrived at the village inn, they sat down at their ease, perfectly alone since the prevailing poverty had banished all the usual frequenters of the scene of mirth and joviality. They called for the little that was to be had, and having emptied a glass of wine, Renzo addressed tonio with an air of mystery. If you will do me a small favor, I will do you a great one. What is it? Tell me. I am at your service. Repaito no, pouring out another glass. I am ready to go into the fire for you today. You are in debt. Twenty-five leave to the senior curate for the rent of his field that you worked last year. Ah, Renzo, Renzo, you've spoiled your kindness. Why did you remind me of it now? You've put to flight all my goodwill towards you. If I reminded you of your debt, said Renzo. It is because I intend, if you like, to give you the means of paying it. Do you really mean so? I do really. Well, are you content? Content? I should think so indeed. If it were for no other reason than to get rid of those tormenting looks and shakes of the head the senior curate gives me every time I meet him, and then it is always, tonio, remember, tonio, eventually I see you to settle this business. He goes so far that when he fixes his eyes upon me in preaching, I'm half afraid he'll say publicly, those twenty-five leave, I wish the twenty-five leave were far away, and then he will have to give me back my wife's gold necklace, and I could change it into so much polenta, but, but if you'll do me a little service, the twenty-five leave are ready. With all my heart go on. But, said Renzo, laying his finger across his lips. Need you tell me that? You know me. The senior curate has been starting some absurd objections to delay my marriage. They tell me for certain that if we go before him with two witnesses, and I say, this is my wife and Lucia, this is my husband, the marriage is valid. Do you understand me? You want me to go as a witness. Yes. And you will pay the twenty-five leave for me? That is what I mean. He's a goose that would fail. But we must find another witness. I have him. That young clownish brother of mine, Mr. Vass will do anything I bid him. You'll pay him with something to drink and to eat too, replied Renzo. We'll bring him here to make merry with us. But will he know what to do? I'll teach him. You know I have got his share of brains. Tomorrow? Well, towards evening? Very well. But, said Renzo, again putting his finger on his lips. Pah! replied Tonya, bending his head on his right shoulder and raising his left hand. With the look that seemed to say, but if your wife questions you as without doubt she will, I owe my wife some lies and so many that I don't know if I shall ever manage to balance the account. I'll find some idle story to put her heart at rest. I warrant you. Tomorrow, said Renzo, we will make arrangements that everything may go on smoothly. So saying they left the inn. Tonya bending his steps homewards and contriving some tale to relate to the women, and Renzo to give an account to the men who had accepted arrangements. In the meanwhile Agnes had been vainly endeavouring to convince her daughter. To every argument Lucia opposed one side or other of a dilemma. Either the thing is wrong and we ought not to do it, or it is not wrong and why not tell it to Father Christophero? Renzo arrived quite triumphant and reported his success. Finishing with a ah-ha, a melanesce interjection which signifies am I a man or not? Can you find a better plan? I never have entered your head and a hundred other such things. Lucia shook her head doubtfully, but the other two enthusiasts paid little attention to it, as one does to a child when one despairs of making it understand all the reasons of a thing and determines to induce it by entities or authority to do as it is required. It goes on well, said Agnes, very well, but you haven't thought of everything. What is wanting? replied Renzo. You haven't thought of Perpetua. She will admit Tonya and his brother well enough, but you, you too, just think. You will have to keep her at a distance as one keeps a boy from a pear tree full of ripe fruit. How shall we manage, said Renzo, beginning to think? See now, I have thought of that too. I will go with you and I have a secret that will draw her away and engage her so that she shan't see you and you can go in. I'll call her out and will touch a cord. See, bless you, exclaimed Renzo. I always said you are our help in everything. But all this is of no use, said Agnes, unless we can persuade Lucia, who persists in saying it is a sin. Renzo brought in all his eloquence to his aid, but Lucia continued immovable. I cannot answer all your arguments, said she, but I see that to do what you want. We shall be obliged to use a great deal of disguise, falsehood and deceit. Ah, Renzo, we didn't begin so. I wish to be your wife. And she could never pronounce this word or give expression to this desire without a deep flush overspreading her cheek. I wish to be your wife, but in the right way, in the fear of God at the altar. Let us leave all to him who is above. Do you think he cannot find means to help us better than we, with all these deceitful ways? And why make a mystery of it to Father Christophero? The dispute was still prolonged and seemed not likely to come to a speedy conclusion, when the hasty tread of sandals and the sound of a rustling cassock resembling the noise produced by repeated gusts of wind in a slackened sail announced the approach of Father Christophero. There was instant silence, and Agnes had scarcely time to whisper in Lucia's ear, be sure you say nothing about it. Recording by Sudeshna. Who having lost an important battle without any fault on his part, distressed but not discouraged, thoughtful but not confounded, retreating but not put to flight, turns his steps where necessity calls for his presence, fortifying threatened quarters, regulating his troops and giving new orders. Peace be with you, said he as he ended his life, peace be with you, said he as he entered. There is nothing to hope from man. You have therefore more need to trust in God, and I have already had a pledge of his protection. Although none of the party had anticipated much from Father Christophero's attempt, since to see a powerful noble man desist from an act of oppression, unless he were overcome by a superior power from regard to the entreaties of a disarmed supplyant, was rather an unheard of than a rare occurrence. Yet the melancholy certainly came as a blow upon them all. Their heads involuntarily drooped but anger quickly prevailed over depression in Renzo's mind. The announcement found him already wounded and irritated by a succession of painful surprises, fallacious attempts and disappointed hopes, and above all exasperated at this moment by the repulses of Lucia. I should like to know, said he, gnashing his teeth and raising his voice as he had never before done in the presence of Father Christophero. I should like to know what reasons this dog gives for asserting that my bride should not be my bride. Porenzo replied the friar with a look and accent of pity that kindly recommended peaceableness. If the powerful who do such deeds of injustice were always obliged to give their reasons, things would not be as they are. Did the dog then say that he would not because he would not? He didn't even say that, my poor fellow. It would be something if so commit iniquity they were obliged openly to confess it. But he must have told you something. What did this infernal firebrand say? I heard his words, but I cannot repeat them to you. The words of a powerful wicked man are violent but contradictory. He can be angry that you are suspicious of him and at the same time make you feel that your suspicions are well founded. He can insult you and call himself offended, ridicule you and ask your opinion, threaten and complain, be insolent and irreprehensible. Ask no more. He neither mentioned the name of this innocent nor your own. He did not even appear to know you nor did he say he designed anything. But I understand too well that he is immovable. However, confidence in God, you poor creatures. Turning to Agnesi and Lucia don't give up in despair and you, Renzo oh, believe me, I can put myself in your place. I can feel what passes in your heart. But patience it is a poor word a bitter one to those who have no faith. But you will you not allow God one day, two days or whatever time he may please to take, to clear you and give you justice. The time is his and he has promised us much. Leave him to work, Renzo and believe me I already have a clue that may lead to something for your help. I cannot tell you more at present. Tomorrow I shall not come here. I must be at the convent all day for you. You, Renzo, try to come to me or if by any unforeseen accent you cannot send a trustworthy man or a lad of discretion may let you know what may happen. It grows dark. I shall have to make haste to reach the convent. Faith, courage and good night. Having said this he hastily left them and made his way rapidly along a crooked, stony bypass that he might not be late at the convent and run the risk of a severe reprimand or what would have grieved him more than a portion of a penance which might have disabled him on the morrow from any undertaking which the service of his protégés might require. Did you hear what he said about I don't know what about a clue that he held in hand to help us said Lucia it is best to trust in him he is a man who if he promises ten I know there is not his like that he ought to have spoken more clearly or at least taken me aside and told me what it was idle preting I'll put an end to it that I will interrupted Renzo in his turn as he paced furiously up and down the room with a look and tone that left no doubt us to the meaning of his words or Renzo exclaimed Lucia what do you mean cried Agnesi I need I tell you I'll put an end to it though he has a hundred a thousand devils in his soul he's flesh and blood after all no no for heaven's sake began Lucia but tears choked her utterance this is not proper language even in jest reply Agnesi in jest cried Renzo waiting himself directly before Agnesi as she sat and fixing on her two fearful looking eyes in jest you shall see whether I am in jest or not Renzo said Lucia scarcely able to articulate for sobs I never saw you so before don't talk so for heaven's sake replied Agnesi hastily lowering her voice to remember how many arms he has at his bidding and then there is always justice to be had against the poor God defend them I will get justice for myself I will it is time now the thing isn't easy I know the ruffian is well defended dog that he is I know how it is but never mind patience and resolution and the time will soon arrive yes I will get justice I'll free up the country and people will bless me and then in four bounds the horror of Lucia at these explicit declarations repressed her sobs and inspired her with courage to speak raising from her hands her face bathed in tears she addressed Renzo in a mournful but resolute tone you no longer care then about having me for your wife I promised myself to a youth who had the fear of God but a man has were he safe from all justice and vengeance were he the son of a king very well cried Renzo his face more than ever convulsed with fury I won't have you then but he shan't either I will be here without you and he in abode of oh no for pity's sake don't say so don't look so furious no no I cannot bear to see you thus exclaimed Lucia weeping and joining her hands in an attitude of earnest supplication while Agnesi repeatedly called him by name and seized hold of his shoulders his arms and his hands to pacify him he stood immovable thoughtful almost overcome at the sight of Lucia's imploring countenance then suddenly gazed at her sternly drew back stretched out his arm and pointing with his finger towards her burst forth her yes he wants her he must die and I what harm have I done you that you should kill me said Lucia throwing herself on her knees you said he with a voice expressive of anger though of a fire different nature you what good do you wish me what proof have you given me haven't I begged and begged and begged have I been able to obtain yes yes replied she precipitately I will go to the curates tomorrow I will go now if you like only be yourself again I will go you promise me said Renzo his voice and expression rendered in an instant more human I promise you you have promised me thanks be to the oh lord exclaimed Agnesy doubly satisfied did Renzo in the midst of his anger discern the advantage that might be taken of Lucia's terror and did he not practice a little artifice to increase it that he might use this advantage our author protests he knows nothing about the matter nor I think did even Renzo himself know very well at any rate he was undoubtedly enraged beyond measure with Don Rodrigo and ardently desired Lucia's consent and when two powerful passions struggle together in a man's mind no one not even the most patient can always clearly discern one voice from the other or say with certainty which of them predominates I have promised you replied Lucia with an accent of timid and affectionate reproof but you have also promised not to make any disturbance to submit yourself to father come now for whose sake did I get into a passion do you want to draw back and will you oblige me no no said Lucia ready to relapse into her former fears I have promised and I will not draw back but see how you have made me promise God forbid that why will you prophesy evil God knows we do not wrong to anybody promise me at least this shall be the last time I promise you upon God but this once you will stand by him said Agnesi here the author confesses his ignorance of another matter and that is whether Lucia was absolutely and on every account dissatisfied at being obliged to give her consent we follow his example and leave the point undecided Renzo would willingly have prolonged the conversation and allotted their several parts in the proceedings of the morrow but it was already dark and the women wished him good night as they thought it scarcely decorous that he should remain any longer with them at so late an hour the night was passed by all three as well as could be expected considering that it followed a day of such regret and misfortune and proceeded one fixed upon for an important undertaking of doubtful issue Renzo made his appearance early next morning and concerted with the women or rather with Agnesi the grand operations of the evening alternately suggesting and removing difficulties foreseeing obstacles and both beginning by turns to describe the scene as if they were relating a past event Lucia listened and without approving in words what she could not agree to in her heart promised to do as well as she was able are you going down to the convent to see Father Christophero as he bid you last night said Agnesi to Renzo not I replied he you know what discerning eyes Father has he will read in my looks as if it were written in a book that there's something in the wind and if he begins to question me I can't get off it easily and besides I must stay here to arrange matters it will be better for you to send somebody I will send Manico very well replied Renzo and he set off to arrange matters as he had said Agnesi went to a neighbouring village to ask for Manico a sprightly and very sensible lad for his age who through the medium of cousins and sisters in law came to be a sort of nephew to the dame she asked his parents for him as for a loan and begged she might keep him the whole day for a particular service said she having obtained permission she led him to her kitchen gave him his breakfast and bid him go to Pescarenico and present himself to father Christophero who would send him back with a message at the right time Father Christophero that fine old man you know with a white beard who is called the saint and said Manico he who speaks so kindly to the children and sometimes gives them pictures just so Manico and if he bids you wait some time at the convent don't wander away and be sure you don't go with other boys to the lake to throw stones in the water nor to watch them fish nor to play with the nets hung up to dry nor I am no longer a child well be prudent and when you come back with the answer look these two fine new Papaglioli are for you give me them now that no no you will play with them go and behave well that you may have some more in the course of this long morning many strange things happened which roused not a little suspicion in the already disturbed minds of Agnesi and Lucia a beggar neither thin nor ragged as they generally were and of somewhat dark and sinister aspect came and asked alms in God's name at the same time looking narrowly around a piece of bread was given him which he received and placed in his basket with ill dissembled indifference he then loitered and made many inquiries with a mixed air of impudence and hesitation to which Agnesi endeavoured to make replies exactly contrary to the truth when about to depart he pretended to mistake the door and went to that at the foot of the stairs glancing hastily upwards as well as he could on there calling him back hey hey where are you going my good man this way he turned and went out by the door that was pointed out to him excusing himself with a submission and an effected humility that ill accorded with the fierce and hard features of his face after his departure they continued to mark from time to time other suspicious and strange figures it was not easy to discern what kind of men they were yet still they could not believe them to be the unpretending passersby they wished to appear one would enter under pretence of asking the way others arriving at the door slackened their pace and peeped through the little yard into the room as if wishing to see without exciting suspicion at last towards noon these annoying and alarming appearances ceased Agnesi got up occasionally and crossed the little yard to the street door to reconnoiter and after looking anxiously around on either side returned with the intelligence there's nobody words which she uttered with pleasure and Lucia heard with satisfaction neither one nor the other knowing exactly the reason why but an undefined disquietude haunted their steps and with Lucia especially in some degree cooled the courage they had summoned up for the proceedings of the evening the reader, however must be told something more definite about these mysterious wanderers and to relate it in order we must turn back a step or two and find Don Rodrigo whom we left yesterday after dinner by himself in one of the rooms of his palace after the departure of Father Cristoforo Don Rodrigo as we have said paced back and forwards with long strides in this spacious apartment surrounded on all sides by the family portraits of many generations when he reached the wall and turned round his eye rested upon the figure of one of his warlike ancestors the terror of his enemies and of his own soldiers who were the stern grim countenance his short hair standing erect from his forehead his large sharp whiskers covering his cheeks and his hooked chin stood like a warrior clothed in a complete suit of steel armour with his right hand pressing his side and the left grasping the hilt of his sword Don Rodrigo gazed upon it and when he arrived beneath it and turned back beheld before him another of his forefathers a magistrate and the terror of litigants seated in a high chair covered with crimson velvet enveloped in an ample black robe so that he was entirely black accepting for a white collar with two large bands and a lining of sable turned wrong side outwards this was the distinctive mark of a senator's but only worn in winter for which reason the picture of a senator in summer clothing is never met with squalid and frowning he held in his hand a memorial and seemed to be saying we shall see on the other hand was a matron the terror of her maids on the other an abbot the terror of his monks in short they were all persons who had been objects of terror while alive and who now inspired dread by their likenesses in the presence of such remembranceers Don Rodrigo became enraged and ashamed as he reflected that a friar had dared to come to him with the parable of Nathan and his mind could find no peace he would form a plan of revenge and then abandoned it seek how at the same time to satisfy his passion and what he called his honour and sometimes hearing the beginning of the prophecy resounding in his ears he would involuntarily shudder and be almost inclined to give up the idea of the two satisfactions at last for the sake of doing something he called a servant and desired him to make an apology for him to the company and to say that he was detained by urgent business the servant returned with the intelligence that the gentleman having left their compliments had taken their leave and Count Attilio asked Don Rodrigo still pacing the room he left with the gentleman illustrious Señor very well, six followers to accompany me quickly, my sword, cloak and hat immediately the servant replied by a bow and withdrew returning shortly with a rich sword which his master buckled on a cloak which he threw over his shoulders and a hat ornamented the looms which he placed on his head and fastened with a haughty air he then moved forward and found the six bravos at the door completely armed who making way for him with a low bow followed as his train more surly more haughty and more supercilious than usual he left his palace and took the way towards Leco amidst the salutations and profound bows of the peasants he happened to meet and the ill-mannered white who would have ventured to pass without taking off his hat might consider he had purchased the exemption at a cheap rate had the bravos in the train been contented merely to enforce respect by a blow on the head to these salutations Don Rodrigo made no acknowledgement but to men of higher rank though still indisputably inferior to his own he replied with constrained courtesy he did not chance this time but when he did happen to meet with the Spanish senior the governor of the castle the salutations were equally profound on both sides it was like the meeting of two potentates who have nothing to share between them yet for convenience's sake pay respect to each other's rank to pass away the time and by the sight of far different faces and behavior to banish the image of the friar which continually haunted his mind Don Rodrigo entered a house where a large party was assembled and where he was received with that officious and respectful cordiality reserved for those who are greatly courted and greatly feared late at night he returned to his own palace and found that Count Atilio had just arrived and they sat down to supper together Don Rodrigo buried in thought and very silent Cousin when will you pay your wager asked Count Atilio in a malicious and at the same time rallying tone as soon as the table was cleared and the servants had departed Saint Martin has not yet passed Well, remember you will have to pay it soon for all the saints in the calendar will pass before this has to be seen yet Cousin you want to play the politician but I understand all and I am so certain of having won my wager that I am ready to lay another What? that the father the father I mean in short that this friar has converted you it is a mere fancy of your own Converted Cousin converted I say I for my part am delighted at it what a fine sight it will be to see you quite penitent with downcast eyes and what triumph for this father how proudly he must have returned to the convent you are not such fish as they catch every day nor in every net you may be sure they will bring you forward as an example and when they go on a mission to some little distance they will talk of your acts I can fancy I hear them and speaking through his nose accompanying the words with caricatured gestures he continued in a sermon like tone In a certain part of the world which from motives of high respect we forebear the name there lived my dear hearers and there still lives a disillute gentleman the friend of women rather than of good men who accustomed to make no distinctions had set his eyes upon that will do enough interrupted Don Rodrigo half amused and half annoyed if you wish to repeat the wager I am ready to indeed perhaps then you have converted the father don't talk to me about him and as to the bet Saint Martin will decide the curiosity of the count was aroused he put numberless questions but Don Rodrigo contrived to evade them all referring everything to the day of decision and unwilling to communicate designs which were neither begun nor absolutely determined upon End of Chapter 7 Part 1 Chapter 7 Part 2 of The Betrothed This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni Chapter 7 Part 2 Next morning Don Rodrigo was himself again the slight compunction that a day will come had awakened in his mind had vanished with the dreams of the night and nothing remained but a feeling of deep indignation rendered more vivid by remorse for his passing weakness the remembrance of his late almost triumphant walk of the profound salutations and the reception he had met with together with the rallying of his cousin had contributed not a little to renew his former spirit but to his cousin he sent for Griso something important thought the servant to whom the order was given for the man who bore this assumed name was no less a personage than the head of the bravos to whom the boldest and most dangerous enterprises were confided who was the most trusted by his master and was devoted to him at all risks by gratitude and interest guilty of murder he had sought the protection of Don Rodrigo to escape from the pursuit of justice and he, by taking him into his service had sheltered him from the reach of persecution here by engaging in every crime that was required of him he was secured from the punishment of the first fault to Don Rodrigo the acquisition had been of no small importance for this Griso besides being undoubtedly the most courageous of the household was also a specimen of what his master had been able to attempt with impunity against the laws so that Don Rodrigo's power was aggrandized both in reality and in common opinion Griso said Don Rodrigo in this emergency it will be seen what you are worth before tomorrow Lucia must be in this place it shall never be said that Griso shrank from the command of his noble protector take as many men as you want dispose and order them as you think best only let the things succeed well but above all be sure do her no harm senor a little fright that she may not make too much noise one cannot do less fear I see is inevitable but don't you touch a hair of her head and above all treat her with the greatest respect do you understand senor I could not pluck a flower from its stalk and bring it to your lordship without touching it a little but I will do no more than is necessary beware you do not and how will you manage I was thinking senor it is fortunate that the house is at the end of the village we shall want a place to conceal ourselves in and at a little distance there's that uninhabited building in the middle of the fields that house but your lordship knows nothing of these things a house that was burnt down a few days ago and there have been no funds to rebuild it so it is forsaken and is haunted by witches but it is not Saturday and I don't care for them the villages are so superstitious they wouldn't enter it and they would be in the middle of the village for a week for a treasure so we may safely dispose ourselves there without any fear of being disturbed in our plans very good and what then here agrees so well on to propose and Don Rodrigo to discuss till they had together concerted away to bring the enterprise to an end without a trace of its authors remaining they even contrived means to turn all suspicions on another quarter to impose silence upon poor Agnes to inspire Renzo with such fear as would overbalance his grief efface the thought of having recourse to the law and even the wish to complain and arranged all the other minor villainies necessary to the success of this principal one we will omit the account of these consultations however because as the reader will perceive they are not necessary to the comprehension of the story and it will only be tedious both to him and us to entertain ourselves for any length of time with the discussions of these two detestable villains it will suffice to say that as Griso was on the point of leaving the room to go about the execution of his undertaking at once Don Rodrigo called him back and said listen any chance this rash clown should molest you tonight it would not be a miss if you were to give him something to remember on his shoulders by way of anticipation by this means the command to keep quiet which shall be intimated to him tomorrow will more surely take effect but don't go look for him lest you should spoil what is of more importance do you understand me leave it to me replied Griso bowing with an obsequious and ostentatious air as he departed the morning was spent in reconnoitering the neighborhood the feign beggar who had intruded himself so pertinaciously into Agnese's humble cottage was no other than Griso who had come to get an idea of the plan of the house by sight the pretended passengers were his vile followers who operating under his orders required a less minute acquaintance with the place their observations being made they withdrew from notice lest they should excite too much suspicion when they returned to the palace Griso made his report arranged definitely the plan of the enterprise assigned to each his different part and gave his instructions all this could not be transacted without the old servant's observation who with his eyes and ears constantly on the alert discovered that they were plotting some great undertaking by dint of watching and questioning getting half a hint here and another half there commenting in his own mind on ambiguous inferences and interpreting mysterious departures he at length came to a pretty clear knowledge of all the designs of the evening but when he was assured of them it was very nearer the time and already a small detachment of bravos had left the place and set off to conceal themselves in the ruined building the poor old man although he well knew what a dangerous game he was playing and feared besides that he was doing no efficient service yet failed not to fulfill his engagement he went out under the pretense and proceeded in great haste to the convent to give Father Cristoforo the promised information shortly afterwards a second party of bravos were sent out one or two at a time that they may not appear to be in one company Grisso made up the rear and then nothing remained but a litter which was to be brought to the place of rendezvous after dark when they were all assembled there Grisso dispatched three of them to the inn in the village one was to place himself at the door to watch the movements on the street and to give notice when all the inhabitants had retired to rest the other two were to remain inside gaming and drinking as if enjoying themselves but were also to be on the lookout if anything was to be seen Grisso with the body of the troop waited in the ambuscade till the time of action should arrive the poor old man was still on his way the three scouts had arrived at their post and the son was setting when Renzo entered the cottage and said to the woman Tonio and Girassi are outside I am going with them to supp at the inn and at the sound of the Ave Maria we will come to fetch you from Lucia, courage all depends upon a moment Lucia sighed and replied oh yes, courage with the town that belied her words when Renzo and his two companions reached the inn they found the bravo already there on the watch leaning with his back against one of the jams of the doorway so as to occupy half its width his arms folded across his breast and glancing with the prying look to the right and left showing alternately the blacks and whites of his two griffin like eyes a flat cap of crimson velvet put on sideways covered half a lock of hair which parted on a dark forehead terminated in tresses confined by a comb at the back of the head he held in one hand a short cujal his weapons properly speaking were not visible but one had only to look at his face and even a child would have guessed that he had as many under his clothes as he could carry when Renzo the foremost of the three approached him and seemed prepared to enter the bravo fixed his eyes upon him without attempting to make way but the youth intent on avoiding any questions or disputes as people generally are who have an intricate undertaking in hand did not even stop to say make room but grazing the other doorpost pushed side foremost through the opening left by this cariatities his companions were obliged to practice the same maneuver if they wished to enter when they got in they saw the others whose voices they had heard outside sitting at a table playing at Mora both exclaiming at once alternately pouring out something to drink from a large flask placed between them they fixed their eyes steadily on the newcomers and one of them especially holding his right hand extended in the air with three enormous fingers just shot forth and from his mouth formed to utter the word six which burst forth at the moment I'd Renzo from head to foot and glanced first at his companion and then at the one at the door he applied with a knot of the head Renzo suspicious and doubtful looked at his friends as if seeing in their countenances an interpretation of all these gestures but their countenances indicated nothing beyond a good appetite the landlord approached to receive his orders and Renzo made him accompany him into an adjoining room and ordered some supper who are these strangers as he in a low voice when his hosts returned with a large table cloth under his arm and a bottle in his hand I don't know them replied the hosts spreading the table cloth what none of them you know he replied he again smoothing the cloth on the table with both of his hands the first rule of our business is not to pry into other people's affairs so that even our women are not inquisitive it would be hard work for the folk that come and go always like a harbor when times are good I mean but let us cheer up now for there may come better days all we care for is whether our customers are honest fellows who they are or are not beyond that is nothing to us but come I will bring you a dish of hash the like of which you have never tasted how do you know Renzo was beginning but the landlord already on his way to the kitchen paid no attention to his inquiry here while he was taking up the stewing pan in which was the above mentioned hash the bravo who had eyed our youth so closely accosted the host and said in an undertone who are those good men were the people of the village replied he pouring the hash into the dish very well but what are they called who are they insisted he in a sharp tone one is called Renzo replied the host in a low voice a worthy youth reckoned a silk weaver who understands his business well the other is a peasant of the name of Tonio a good jovial comrade pity he has so little he'd spend it all here and who eats willingly whatever is set before him by your leave with these words and a slight bow he passed between the stove and the interrogator and carried the dish into the next room how do you know Renzo when he saw him appear that they are honest men if you don't know them by their actions my good fellow men are known by their actions those who drink wine without criticizing it who show the face of the king upon the counter without prattling who don't quarrel with other customers and is they oh a blow to anyone go outside and away from the inn to give it so that the poor landlord isn't brought into the scrape these are honest men however if one could know everybody to be honest as we four know one another it would be better but why are you so inquisitive on these matters when you are a bridegroom and ought to have other things in your head and with this hash before you enough to make the dead rise again so saying he returned to the kitchen our author remarking upon the different manner in which the landlord satisfied these various inquiries says he was one who in words made great professions of friendship for honest men in general in the practice paid much more attention to those who had the character in appearance of naves he was as everyone must perceive a man of singular character this slipper was not very blithesome the two invited guests would have deliberately enjoyed the unusual gratification but the inviter preoccupied by the reader knows what anxious and uneasy at the strange behavior of these incognitos was impatient for the time of departure he spoke in an undertone out of respect to the strangers in broken and hurried words what a fine thing suddenly exclaimed gervasi that renzo wants to marry and is obliged renzo gave him a savage look and tonio exclaimed hold your tongue simbleton accompanying the epithet with a knock of the his elbow the meal renzo observing the strictest sobriety managed to help his guests with so much discretion as was to inspire them with sufficient boldness without making them giddy and bewildered supper being over and the bill having been paid by the one who had done at least execution they had again to pass under the scrutinizing eyes of the three bravos who gazed earnestly at renzo as they had done on his entrance renzo proceeded a few paces from the inn he looked around and saw that he was followed by the two bravos whom he had left sitting in the kitchen so he stood still with his companions as much as to say let us see what these fellows want with me unperceiving however that they were observed they also stopped short and speaking to each other in a suppressed voice turned back again had renzo been near enough to read their words the following would have struck him as very strange it will be a fine thing however without counting the drinking money said one of the villains if we can relate on our return to the palace that we made them lay down their arms in a hurry by ourselves too without senior griso here to give the orders and spoil the principal business replied the other see they've discovered something they are stopping back to look at us oh I wish it was later let us turn back or they'll surely suspect us don't you see that people are coming in every direction let us wait till they've all gone to bed there was in fact that stirring that confused buzz which is usually heard in a village on the approach of evening and which shortly afterwards gives place to the solemn stillness of night women arrived from the fields carrying their infants on their backs and holding by the hand their elder children whom they were hearing repeat their evening prayers well the men bore on their shoulders their spades and different implements of husbandry on the opening of the cottage doors a bright gleam of light sparkled from the fires that were kindled to prepare their humble evening meal in the street might be heard salutations exchanged together with brief and sad remarks on the scarcity of the harvest and the poverty of the times well above all resounded the measured and sonorous tolls of the bell which announced the close of the day when Renzo saw that his two indiscreet followers had retired he continued his way amid the increasing darkness occasionally in a low tone refreshing the memories of one or other of the brothers on some point of their duties that they might be likely to forget when he arrived at Lucia's cottage the night had quite closed in between the acting of a dreadful thing says a foreign writer who was not wanting a discernment and the first motion all the interim is like a phantasma or a hideous dream Lucia had suffered for several hours the horrors of such a dream and Agnese Agnese herself the author of the design was buried in thought and could scarcely find words to encourage her daughter but at the moment of awakening at the moment when one is called upon to begin the dreaded undertaking the mind is instantaneously transformed a new terror and a new courage succeed those which before struggled within the enterprise presents itself to the mind like a fresh apparition that which at first sight was most dreaded seemed sometimes rendered easy in a moment and on the other hand an obstacle which at first was scarcely noticed becomes formidable the imagination shrinks back alarmed the limbs refuse to fill their office and the heart revokes the promises that were made with the greatest confidence at Renzo's mothered knock Lucia was seized with such terror that at the moment she resolved to suffer anything to be separated from him forever than execute the resolution she had made but when she had stood before her and had said here I am let us go when all were ready to accompany him without hesitation as a fixed and irrevocable thing Lucia had neither time nor heart to interpose difficulties and almost dragged along she tremblingly took one arm of her mother and one of her betrothed and set off with the venturesome party very softly in the dark with the slow steps they passed the threshold and took the road that led out of the village the shortest way would have been to have gone through it to reach down on Bandio's house at the other end but they chose the longer course as being the most retired after passing along the narrow roads that ran between gardens and fields they arrived near the house and there they divided the two lovers remained hidden behind a corner of the wing Anise was with them but stood a little forwarder that she might be able to run in time to meet Perpetua and take possession of her Tonio, with his black head of a brother Gervasi who knew how to do nothing by himself and without whom nothing could be done so he moved forward and knocked at the door who was there at such an hour cried a voice from the window that was thrown open at the moment it was the voice of Perpetua there's nobody ill that I know of but perhaps some accident has happened it is I replied Tonio, with my brother we want to speak to the Señor Quirate is this an hour for Christians replied Perpetua sharply you have no consideration to come again, or not just as you like I've scraped together nobody knows how much money and come to settle that little debt you know of here I had five and twenty fine new birlingi but if one cannot pay, never mind I know well enough how to spend these and I'll come again when I've got together some more wait, wait, I'll go and be back in a moment but why come at such an hour no objection, as for me here I am, and if you don't want me I'll go no, no, wait a moment I'll be back with the answer directly so saying, she shut the window again at this instant Anise left the lovers and sang, in a low voice to Lucia courage, it is but a moment it's only like the drawing of a tooth joined the two brothers at the door and began gasping with Tonio so that when Perpetua should return and see her, she might think she was just passing by and that Tonio had detained her for a moment End of Chapter 7 Part 2 Carniades Who was he? thought Dona Bandio to himself as he sat in his armchair in a room upstairs with a small volume laying open before him just as Perpetua entered to bring him the message Carniades, I seem to have heard or read his name it must be some man of learning some scholar of antiquity it is just like one of their names but whoever was he so far was the poor man from foreseeing the storm that was gathering over his head the reader must know that Dona Bandio was very fond of reading a little every day and a neighboring curate who possessed something of a library lent him one book after another always taking the first that came to hand the work with which Dona Bandio was now engaged being already convalescent after his fever and fears and more advanced in his recovery from the fever than he wished should be believed was a panegyric in honor of San Carlo which had been delivered with much earnestness and listened to with great admiration in the cathedral of Milan two years before the saint had been compared on account of his love of study to Archimedes and so far Dona Bandio had met with no stumbling block because Archimedes has executed such great works and has rendered his name so famous that it required no very fast fund of erudition to know something about him but after Archimedes the order also compares his saint to Carniades and here the reader met with a check at this point Perpetua announced the visit of Tonio at this hour exclaimed Dona Bandio also naturally enough what would you have sir they have no consideration indeed but if you don't take him then you can get him if I don't take him now who knows when I can let him come in hey hey Perpetua are you quite sure it is Tonio Diavolo replied Perpetua and going downstairs she opened the door and said where are you Tonio advanced and at the same moment Archimedes showed herself and saluted Perpetua by name good evening Archimedes said Perpetua I'm coming from mentioning a neighboring village and if you knew continued she I've been kept late just for your sake what for as Perpetua and turning to the two brothers go in she said she and I'll follow because replied Anise a gossiping woman who knows nothing about the manor would you believe it persistent saying that you were not married to Beppo Salovicia nor to Anselmo Luquina because they wouldn't have you I maintain that you refuse both one and the other to be sure oh what a false tongueed woman who is she don't ask me I don't want to make a mischief you tell me you must tell me I say she's a false body well well but you cannot think how vexed I was that I didn't know the whole story that I might have put her down it is an abominable falsehood said Perpetua and most infamous falsehood as to Beppo everybody knows and might have seen hey Tonio just close the door and go upstairs till I come Tonio assented from within and Perpetua continued her eager relation in front of Danabandio's door a narrow street ran between two cottages but only continued the straight the links of the buildings and then turned into the fields Agnese went forward along this street as if she would go a little aside to speak more freely and Perpetua followed when they had turned the corner and reached a spot once they could no longer see what happened before Danabandio's house Agnese coughed loudly this was a signal Renzo heard it and reanimating Lucia by pressing her arm they turned the corner together on tiptoe crept very close along the wall reached the door and gently pushed it open low they were quickly in the passage and here the two brothers were waiting for them Renzo very gently let down the latch of the door and they all four ascended the stairs making scarcely noise enough for two on reaching the landing the two brothers advanced towards the door of the room at the side of the staircase and the lovers stood close against the wall Diogracias said Tonio an explanatory tone eh Tonio is it you? come in replied a voice within Tonio opened the door scarcely wide enough to admit himself and his brother one at a time the ray of light that suddenly shone through the opening and crossed the dark floor of the landing made Lucia trembled as if she were discovered when the brothers had entered Tonio closed the door inside the lovers stood motionless in the dark their ears intently on the alert and holding their breath the loudest noise was the beating of poor Lucia's heart Don Abanio was seated as we have said in an old armchair enveloped in an antiquated dressing gown and his head buried in a shabby cap the shape of a tiara which by the faint light of a small lamp formed a sort of cornice all around his face two thick locks which escaped from beneath his headdress two eyebrows two thick moustachios and a thick tuft on the chin all of them gray and scattered over his dark and wrinkled visage might be compared to bushes covered with snow projecting from the face of a cliff as seen by moonlight aha! was his salutation as he took off his spectacles and laid them on his book the Señor Quirate will say I am come very late to go bow which your vassi awkwardly imitated certainly it is late late every way don't you know I am ill I am very sorry for it you must have heard I was ill and didn't know when I should be able to see anybody but why have you brought this this boy with you for companies Señor Quirate very well let us see here are 25 new birlingi in Ambrose on horseback said Tonio drawing a little parcel out of his pocket let us see said Danabandio and he took the parcel put on his spectacles again opened it took out the birlingi turned them over and over counted them and found them irreprehensible now Señor Quirate you will give me tecla's necklace you are right replied Danabandio going to the cupboard he took out a key looking around as if to see that all prying spectators were at a proper distance opened one of the doors and filling up the aperture with his person introduced his head to see his arm to reach the pledge then drawing it out he shut the cupboard unwrapped the paper and saying is that right folded it up again handed it to Tonio now said Tonio white? not satisfied yet said Danabandio I declare they know everything how suspicious the world has become don't you trust me what Señor Quirate don't I trust you? you do me wrong but as my name is in your black books on the debtor's side then since you have had the trouble of writing once so from life to death well well interrupt the Danabandio muttering between his teeth he drew out one of the table drawers took thence pen, ink and paper and began to write repeating the words aloud as they proceeded from his pen in the meantime Tonio and Eddus said Gervasi placed himself standing before the table in such a manner as to conceal the door from view of the writer and began to shuffle their feet about the floor as if in mere idleness but in reality has a signal to those without to enter and at the same time to drown out the noise of their footsteps Danabandio intent on his writing noticed nothing else at the noise of their feet Renzo took Luchia's arm pressing it in an encouraging manner and went forward almost dragging her along for she trembled to such a degree that without his help she must have sunk to the ground entering very slothily on tiptoe holding their breath they placed themselves behind the two brothers in the meantime Danabandio having finished writing read over the paper attentively without raising his eyes he then folded it up saying are you content now and taking off his spectacles with one hand handed the paper to Tonio with the other and looked up Tonio extending his right hand to receive it retired on one side and Gervasi added a sign from him on the other and behold as at the shifting of a scene Renzo and Luchia stood between them Danabandio saw indistinctly saw clearly was terrified, astonished, enraged buried in thought, came to a resolution and all this well Renzo uttered the words senior curate in the presence of these witnesses this is my wife before however Luchia's lips could form the reply Danabandio dropped the receipt seized the lamp with his left hand placed it in the air caught hold of the cloth with his right and dragged it furiously off the table bringing it to the ground in its fall, book, paper, ink stand and sandbox and springing between the chair and the table advanced toward Luchia the poor girl with her sweet gentle voice trembling violently had scarcely uttered the words and this when Danabandio threw the cloth rudely over her head and face to prevent her pronouncing the entire formula then letting the light fall from his other hand he employed both to wrap the cloth around her face till she was well nice smothered shouting in the meanwhile at the stretch of his voice like a wounded bull perpetua perpetua treachery help the light just limbering on the ground through a dim and flickering ray upon Luchia who in utter consternation made no attempt to disengage herself and might be compared to a statue sculpted in chalk over which the artificer has thrown a wet cloth when the light died away Danabandio acquitted the poor girl and went groping about to find the door that opened into an inner room and having reached it he entered and shut himself in unceasingly exclaiming perpetua treachery help out of the house out of the house always confusion Renzo seeking to lay hold of the curate and feeling with his hands as if playing at blind man's bluff had reached the door and kicking against it was crying open open don't make such a noise Luchia calling to Renzo in a feeble voice said beseechingly let us go let us go for God's sake Tonio was crawling on his knees and feeling with his hands on the ground to recover his lost receipt and terrified Gervasi was crying and jumping about and seeking for the door of the stairs so as to make his escape safety in the midst of this uproar we cannot but stop a moment to make a reflection Renzo who was causing disturbance at night in another person's house who had affected an entrance by stealth and who had blockaded the master himself in one of his own rooms has all the appearance of an oppressor well in fact he was the oppressed down a bandio taken by surprise terrified and put to flight well peaceably engaged in his own affairs appears the victim when in reality it was he who did the wrong thus frequently goes the world or rather we should say thus it went in the 17th century the beseeched finding that the enemy gave no signs of abandoning the enterprise opened a window that looked out into the churchyard and shouted help help there was a most lovely moon the shadow of the church and a little beyond the long sharp shadow of the bell tower laid dark still and well defined on the bright grassy level of the sacred enclosure all objects were visible almost as by day but look which way you would there appeared no sign of a living person adjoining the lateral wall of the church on the side next the personage a small dwelling where the sextants left aroused by this unusual cry he sprang up in his bed jumped out in great haste threw open the sash of his little window put his head out with his eyelids glued together all the while and cried out what's the matter run ambrosio help people in the house entered down a bandio coming directly replied he and he drew his head in and shut the window and although half asleep and more than half terrified an expedient quickly occurred to him that would bring more aid than had been asked without dragging him into the affray whatever it might be seizing his breeches that lay upon the bed he tucked them under his arm like a gala hat and bounding downstairs by a little wooden ladder ran to the bell free caught hold of the rope that was attached to the larger of the two bells and pulled vigorously town town town town the peasant spring up in his bed the boys stretched in the hayloft listened eagerly and leapt upon his feet what's the matter what's the matter the bells ringing fire thieves bandatti many of the women advised begged their husbands not to stir to let others run some got up and went to the window those who were cowards as if yielding to entreaty quietly slipped under the bed close again well the more inquisitive and courageous spring up and armed themselves with pitchforks and pistols to run to the uproar others waited to see the end but before these were already and even before they were all well awake the noise reached the ears and arrested the attention of some others not very far distant who were both dressed and on their feet the bravos in one place agnese and perpetua in another we will first briefly relate the moments of the bravos since we left them some in the old building and some at the end the three at the end as soon as they saw all the doors shut and the street deserted went out pretending to be going some distance but they only quietly took a short turn in the village to be assured that all had retired to rest and in fact they met not one living creature nor the least voice they also passed still more softly before lucia's little cottage which was the quietest of all since there was no one within then they went direct to the old house and reported their observations to senior grisso hastily putting on a slouched hat with a pilgrims dress of sackcloth scattered over with cockleshells and taking in his hand a pilgrim staff he said now let us act like good bravos quiet and attentive to orders so saying he moved forward followed by the rest and in a few moments reached the cottage by the opposite way to the one our little party had taken when setting out on their expedition grisso ordered his followers to remain a few paces behind while he went forward alone to explore and finding all outside deserted and still he beckoned to two of them to advance ordered them quickly to scale the wall that surrounded the courtyard and when they had descended to conceal themselves in a corner behind a thick fig tree that he had noticed in the morning this done he knocked gently at the door with the intention of saying that he was a pilgrim who had lost his way and begged for a lodging the night no one replied he knocked a little more loudly not a whisper therefore he called a third bravo and made him descent into the yard the other two had done with orders to unfasten the bolt inside very carefully so that he might have free ingress and egress always executed with the greatest caution and the most prosperous success he then went to call the rest and bidding them enter with them sent them to hide in the corner with the others closed the door again very softly placed two sentinels inside and went up to the door of the house here also he knocked waited and long enough he might wait he then as gently as possible opened the door and nobody within said who's there no one was to be heard nothing could be better forward then come on he cried to those behind the fig tree and he entered with them into that very room where in the morning he had so basely obtained a piece of bread drawing from his pocket a piece of steel a flint some tinder and a few matches he lit a small lantern he had provided and stepped into the next room to assure himself that all was quiet not one was there he returned went to the foot of the stairs looked up listened all was solitude and silence leaving two more sentinels in a lower room he bid Grigna Poco follow him a bravo from the district of Bergamo whose office it was to threaten appease and command to be in short the spokesman so that his dialect might give Agnese the idea that the expedition came from his neighborhood with his companion at his side and the rest behind him Griso very slowly ascended the stairs cursing in his heart every step that unluckily creaked every tread of these villains that made the least noise at last he reaches the top here is the danger he gently pushes the door that leads into the first room it yields to his touch he opens it a little and looks in all is dark he listens attentively her chance he may hear a snoring a breath a stirring within nothing forward then he puts the lantern before his face so as to see without being seen he opens the door wide perceives a bed looks upon it the bed is made and smooth with clothes turned down and arranged on the pond the pillow he shrugs his shoulders turns to his companions beckons them that he is going to look in the other room and that they must keep quiet where they were he goes forward uses the same precautions meets with the same success whatever can this mean he exclaim boldly some treacherous dog must have been acting as a spy they began to look about them with less caution and pry into every corner turning the house upside down while the party upstairs were thus engaged the two men who were on guard at the street door heard hasty and repeated footsteps approaching along the road that lead into the village and imagining that whoever it was he would pass by they kept quiet their ears however attentively on the watch but behold the footsteps have stopped exactly at the door it was Manicio arriving in great haste sent by Father Cristoforo to bid the two women for heaven's sake to make their escape as quickly as possible from the cottage and take refuge in the convent because the because the reader knows he took hold of the handle of the latch and felt a shake in his hand unfastened and broken open what is this? thought he and he pushed open the door in some alarm and putting one foot inside with considerable suspicion he felt himself seized in a moment by both arms and he heard two smothered voices on his right and left saying to him in a threatening voice hold your tongue or you die on the contrary however he uttered a shrill cry and struck him a great blow on the mouth and the other took hold of a large knife to terrify him the poor child trembled like a leaf and did not attempt a second cry but all at once in his stead and with a far different tone burst forth the first sound of a bell before described and immediately after many thundering peels in quick succession if the cap fits put it on says Emilini's proverb each of the villains seemed to hear in these peels his name surname and nickname they let go of Maniccio's arms hastily dropped their own gazed at each other's faces in mute astonishment and then ran into the house where was the bulk of their companions Maniccio took to his legs and fled by way of the fields towards the belfry where he felt sure there would be some people assembled on the other ruffians who were rummaging the house from top to bottom the terrible bell made the same impression confused and alarmed they ran against one another in attempting each one for himself to find the shortest way of reaching the street door though men of approved courage and accustomed never to turn their backs on known peril they could not stand against an indefinite danger which had not been viewed at a little distance before coming upon them all the authority of Griso to keep them together so that it might be a retreat and not a flight just as a dog urging a drove of pigs runs here and there after those that break the ranks seizes one by the ears and drags him into the herd propels another with his nose barks at a third that leaves the line at the same moment so the pilgrim laid hold of one of his troop just passing the threshold detains with his staff some of those who were flying they knew not wither and finally succeeded in assembling them all in the middle of the courtyard halt! halt! pistols in hand, daggers in their readiness all together and then we'll be gone we must march in order what care are we for the bells ringing if we are all together you cowards but if we let them catch us one by one even the villagers will give us it the pilgrim fall behind and keep together after this brief harang he placed himself in the front and led the way out the cottage as we have said was at the extremity of the village Griso took the road that led out of it and the rest followed him in good order End of Chapter 8 Part 1 Recording by Peter Turner Thank you for watching