The Abbot bent his steps towards the Hermitage: A glance of his eye invited Matilda to accompany him.
She obeyed, and followed him thither in silence.

They entered the Grotto, and seated themselves.

Both seemed unwilling to begin the conversation, and to labour under the influence of mutual embarrassment.

At length the Abbot spoke: He conversed only on indifferent topics, and Matilda answered him in the same tone.

She seemed anxious to make him forget that the Person who sat by him was any other than Rosario.