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"Pity irl; "your kind words are

a solace to s of hope

If I accepted your explanations, and afterwards heard of Geroni tothat there is no room for hope"

"It is impossible to make any impression upon her," said the duenna, in a

disappointed manner, and as if she were resolved to cease her efforts and

to abandon the young girl to her grief

The silence was broken by the sound of voices in the hall

"I hear the voice of the Signor Deodati," said the duenna; "perhaps he

brings tidings"

Mary rose quickly to descend; but Petronilla wished to detain her, saying: "My child, in pity to a sorrowing old rief Control

yourself, Mary, for yesterday each word you uttered pierced the heart of

the poor Deodati like a dagger It would be cruel and guilty in you to

cause his tears to flo; at his age such affliction wears down the

strength and shortens life"