Scarcely was He less ashamed, when He reflected on his reasons of the former night which induced him to authorize Matilda's stay.

The cloud was now dissipated which had obscured his judgment: He shuddered when He beheld his arguments blazoned in their proper colours, and found that He had been a slave to flattery, to avarice, and self-love.

If in one hour's conversation Matilda had produced a change so remarkable in his sentiments, what had He not to dread from her remaining in the Abbey?
Become sensible of his danger, awakened from his dream of confidence, He resolved to insist on her departing without delay.

He began to feel that He was not proof against temptation; and that however Matilda might restrain herself within the bounds of modesty, He was unable to contend with those passions, from which He falsely thought himself exempted.
'Agnes! Agnes!' He exclaimed, while reflecting on his embarrassments, 'I already feel thy curse!' He quitted his Cell, determined upon dismissing the feigned Rosario.
He appeared at Matins; But his thoughts were absent, and He paid them but little attention.

His heart and brain were both of them filled with worldly objects, and He prayed without devotion.