The Laws of our Order forbid your stay: It would be perjury to conceal that a Woman is within these Walls, and my vows will oblige me to declare your story to the Community.

You must from hence!--I pity you, but can do no more!' He pronounced these words in a faint and trembling voice: Then rising from his seat, He would have hastened towards the Monastery.

Uttering a loud shriek, Matilda followed, and detained him.
'Stay yet one moment, Ambrosio! Hear me yet speak one word!' 'I dare not listen! Release me! You know my resolution!' 'But one word! But one last word, and I have done!' 'Leave me! Your entreaties are in vain! You must from hence tomorrow!' 'Go then, Barbarian! But this resource is still left me.' As She said this, She suddenly drew a poignard: She rent open her garment, and placed the weapon's point against her bosom.
'Father, I will never quit these Walls alive!' 'Hold! Hold, Matilda! What would you do ?' 'You are determined, so am I: The Moment that you leave me, I plunge this Steel in my heart.' 'Holy St.Francis! Matilda, have you your senses?
Do you know the consequences of your action?
That Suicide is the greatest of crimes?
That you destroy your Soul?
That you lose your claim to salvation?
That you prepare for yourself everlasting torments ?' 'I care not! I care not!' She replied passionately; 'Either your hand guides me to Paradise, or my own dooms me to perdition! Speak to me, Ambrosio! Tell me that you will conceal my story, that I shall remain your Friend and your Companion, or this poignard drinks my blood!' As She uttered these last words, She lifted her arm, and made a motion as if to stab herself.

The Friar's eyes followed with dread the course of the dagger.

She had torn open her habit, and her bosom was half exposed.