Fate has baffled my last chance of escape, and I have only to give you my blessing, and send you from the castle with Mr.
Ratcliffe, who now leaves it; my own fate will soon be decided." "Good Heaven, sir! can this be possible ?" exclaimed Isabella.

"O, why was I freed from the restraint in which you placed me?
or why did you not impart your pleasure to me ?" "Think an instant, Isabella.

Would you have had me prejudice in your opinion the friend I was most desirous of serving, by communicating to you the injurious eagerness with which he pursued his object?
Could I do so honourably, having promised to assist his suit ?--But it is all over, I and Mareschal have made up our minds to die like men; it only remains to send you from hence under a safe escort." "Great powers! and is there no remedy ?" said the terrified young woman.
"None, my child," answered Vere, gently, "unless one which you would not advise your father to adopt--to be the first to betray his friends." "O, no! no!" she answered, abhorrently yet hastily, as if to reject the temptation which the alternative presented to her.

"But is there no other hope--through flight--through mediation--through supplication ?--I will bend my knee to Sir Frederick!" "It would be a fruitless degradation; he is determined on his course, and I am equally resolved to stand the hazard of my fate.

On one condition only he will turn aside from his purpose, and that condition my lips shall never utter to you." "Name it, I conjure you, my dear father!" exclaimed Isabella.