As the faithful domestic of Donna Violetta kept at her side, she was fain, however, to submit, and suffered herself to be led a few steps from the door.

Suddenly pretending to recollect a new question, she returned with so much rapidity as to be again in the room before Enrico could anticipate the intention.
"Daughter, complete thy errands, and forbear to interrupt our privacy," said the monk, sternly.

"I am about to confess this penitent, who may pine long for the consolations of the holy office ere we meet again.

If thou hast not aught urgent, withdraw, ere thou seriously givest offence to the church." The severity of the Carmelite's tone, and the commanding, though subdued gleaming of his eye, had the effect to awe the girl.

Quailing before his look, and in truth startled at the risk she ran in offending against opinions so deeply seated in the minds of all, and from which her own superstitious habits were far from free, she muttered a few words of apology, and finally withdrew.