"He has not been guilty of this indiscretion without participation of mine; he has not presumed beyond his encouragement." The monk and Donna Florinda regarded each other in mute amazement, and haply there was some admixture of feeling in the look that denoted the uselessness of caution when the passions were intent to elude the vigilance of those who were merely prompted by prudence.

The former simply motioned for silence, while he turned to the domestic.
"Of what character are these ministers of the state ?" he demanded.
"Father, they are its known officers, and wear the badges of their condition." "And their request ?" "Is to be admitted to the presence of the Donna Violetta." "There is still hope!" rejoined the monk, breathing more freely.

Moving across the room, he opened a door which communicated with the private oratory of the palace.

"Retire within this sacred chapel, Don Camillo, while we await the explanation of so extraordinary a visit." As the time pressed, the suggestion was obeyed on the instant.

The lover entered the oratory, and when the door was closed upon his person, the domestic, one known to be worthy of all confidence, was directed to usher in those who waited without.
But a single individual appeared.