With this idea He gathered up such garments as He had already thrown off, and hastened towards the Door.

Elvira was aware of his design; She followed him, and ere He could draw back the bolt, seized him by the arm, and detained him.
'Attempt not to fly!' said She; 'You quit not this room without Witnesses of your guilt.' Ambrosio struggled in vain to disengage himself.

Elvira quitted not her hold, but redoubled her cries for succour.

The Friar's danger grew more urgent.

He expected every moment to hear people assembling at her voice; And worked up to madness by the approach of ruin, He adopted a resolution equally desperate and savage.