Lucia is freed by the Nameless One and, in the presence of her mother and the doubtful Don Abbondio, forgives him. The narrator explains that, while she has been freed, she is still in danger from Don Rodrigo. She reunites with her mother and explains the situation to Agnese, but she fails to mention her vow of chastity. Lucia and Agnese are sent to stay with a tailor and his wife while their story is told to Cardinal Borromeo. The Cardinal hears about Renzo’s plight and the warrant issued against him in Milan. He promises to do what he can to resolve the situation. Meanwhile, the Nameless One summons his bravi. He tells the men that he will “change [his] ways” (407). Any who want to change their ways in a similar fashion, he promises, will be allowed to stay with him. Anyone else will be allowed to leave of their own volition. They are given until the following day to decide.

Don Rodrigo hears what has happened. He decides to travel to Milan while Cardinal Borromeo travels to Lucia’s hometown. The Cardinal’s reputation precedes him, and he is received with joy by the local people.