A Sicilian Romance

The generous conduct of madame called tears of gratitude into the eyes

of Julia, who now awoke from the state of stupefaction which distress

had caused. But before she could thank her faithful friend, a nun

entered the room with a summons for madame to attend the Abate

immediately. The distress which this message occasioned can not easily

be conceived. Madame advised Julia to escape while she detained the

Abate in conversation, as it was not probable that he had yet issued

orders for her detention. Leaving her to this attempt, with an

assurance of following her from the abbey as soon as possible, madame

obeyed the summons. The coolness of her fortitude forsook her as she

approached the Abate's apartment, and she became less certain as to

the occasion of this summons.

The Abate was alone. His countenance was pale with anger, and he was

pacing the room with slow but agitated steps. The stern authority of

his look startled her. 'Read this letter,' said he, stretching forth

his hand which held a letter, 'and tell me what that mortal deserves,

who dares insult our holy order, and set our sacred prerogative at

defiance.' Madame distinguished the handwriting of the marquis, and

the words of the Superior threw her into the utmost astonishment. She

took the letter. It was dictated by that spirit of proud vindictive

rage, which so strongly marked the character of the marquis. Having

discovered the retreat of Julia, and believing the monastery afforded

her a willing sanctuary from his pursuit, he accused the Abate of

encouraging his child in open rebellion to his will. He loaded him and

his sacred order with opprobrium, and threatened, if she was not

immediately resigned to the emissaries in waiting, he would in person

lead on a force which should compel the church to yield to the

superior authority of the father.

The spirit of the Abate was roused by this menace; and Julia

obtained from his pride, that protection which neither his principle

or his humanity would have granted. 'The man shall tremble,' cried he,

'who dares defy our power, or question our sacred authority. The lady

Julia is safe. I will protect her from this proud invader of our

rights, and teach him at least to venerate the power he cannot

conquer. I have dispatched his emissaries with my answer.'

These words struck sudden joy upon the heart of Madame de Menon, but

she instantly recollected, that ere this time Julia had quitted the

abbey, and thus the very precaution which was meant to ensure her

safety, had probably precipitated her into the hand of her enemy. This

thought changed her joy to anguish; and she was hurrying from the

apartment in a sort of wild hope, that Julia might not yet be gone,

when the stern voice of the Abate arrested her. 'Is it thus,' cried

he, 'that you receive the knowledge of our generous resolution to

protect your friend? Does such condescending kindness merit no

thanks--demand no gratitude?' Madame returned in an agony of fear,

lest one moment of delay might prove fatal to Julia, if haply she had

not yet quitted the monastery. She was conscious of her deficiency in

apparent gratitude, and of the strange appearance of her abrupt

departure from the Abate, for which it was impossible to apologize,

without betraying the secret, which would kindle all his resentment.