They approached the bed, and the aged dame, bending over Inez, whispered audibly: "I could not find my own Padre, but I bring one who will confess and absolve thee?
Make haste to prepare for heaven." "I want neither confession nor absolution! Begone! and let me die in peace," she answered, without unclosing the lids, which lay so heavily upon the sunken eyes.
"Leave us together! I will call thee when thou art wanted," whispered he of the Order of Jesus.

The matron immediately withdrew, repeating an Ave Maria; and they were left alone.
"Inez!" A shudder crept through the wasted form, and, with a start, she looked upon the face of the intruder.

Even in death, hatred was strong; the dim eye flashed, and the cold, damp lips wreathed into a smile of utter scorn: "Well, Padre! you have tracked me at last.

It is a pity, though, you had not set out one day later; you would have altogether missed your prey! But I am content, for I am far beyond your reach!" She gasped for breath, yet ghastly was the mocking smile which lit up the face.
"Not so, Inez! you escaped me once; I have you now! You have defied me in health; but in death I conquer.

You cannot die in peace without my blessing.