"Charity! Charity! Have pity on a poor man! The Madonna will pardon you. Have pity on a poor man!"
At the sight of other beggars who came running up, Hippolyte hastened her steps. George made a sign to the nearest coachman. When they were in the carriage, Hippolyte uttered a cry of relief:
"At last!"
George questioned the coachman:
"Is there a hotel at Casalbordino?"
"Yes, signor, there is one."
"How long will it take to get there?"
"A short half-hour."
"Let us go on, then!"
He took Hippolyte's hands, tried to cheer her up.