A Sicilian Romance

When she was somewhat recovered, she related what

she had seen, and her conversation with the Abate. But madame was

lost in equal perplexity with herself, when she attempted to account

for the marquis's appearance. Why, after his late daring menace,

should he come secretly to visit the Abate, by whose connivance

alone he could have gained admission to the monastery? And what could

have influenced the Abate to such a conduct? These circumstances,

though equally inexplicable, united to confirm a fear of treachery and

surrender. To escape from the abbey was now inpracticable, for the

gates were constantly guarded; and even was it possible to pass them,

certain detection awaited Julia without from the marquis's people, who

were stationed in the woods. Thus encompassed with danger, she could

only await in the monastery the issue of her destiny.

While she was lamenting with madame her unhappy fate, she was summoned

once more to attend the Abate. At this moment her spirits entirely

forsook her; the crisis of her fate seemed arrived; for she did not

doubt that the Abate intended to surrender her to the marquis, with

whom she supposed he had negotiated the terms of accommodation. It was

some time before she could recover composure sufficient to obey the

summons; and when she did, every step that bore her towards the

Abate's room increased her dread. She paused a moment at the door,

'ere she had courage to open it; the idea of her father's immediate

resentment arose to her mind, and she was upon the point of retreating

to her chamber, when a sudden step within, near the door, destroyed

her hesitation, and she entered the closet. The marquis was not there,

and her spirits revived. The flush of triumph was diffused over the

features of the Abate, though a shade of unappeased resentment yet

remained visible.

'Daughter,' said he, 'the intelligence we have to

communicate may rejoice you. Your safety now depends solely on

yourself. I give your fate into your own hands, and its issue be upon

your head.' He paused, and she was suspended in wondering expectation

of the coming sentence. 'I here solemnly assure you of my protection,

but it is upon one condition only--that you renounce the world, and

dedicate your days to God.' Julia listened with a mixture of grief and

astonishment. 'Without this concession on your part, I possess not the

power, had I even the inclination, to protect you. If you assume the

veil, you are safe within the pale of the church from temporal

violence. If you neglect or refuse to do this, the marquis may apply

to a power from whom I have no appeal, and I shall be compelled at

last to resign you.