Ambrosio had not listened to her reproaches without emotion. A secret pang at his heart made him feel, that he had treated this unfortunate with too great severity. He therefore detained the prioress and ventured to pronounce some words in favour of the delinquent.

“The violence of her despair,” said he, “proves, that at least vice is not become familiar to her. Perhaps by treating her with somewhat less rigour than is generally practised, and mitigating in some degree the accustomed penance.⁠ ⁠…”

“Mitigate it, father?” interrupted the lady prioress; “Not I, believe me. The laws of our order are strict and severe; they have fallen into disuse of late, but the crime of Agnes shows me the necessity of their revival. I go to signify my intention to the convent, and Agnes shall be the first to feel the rigour of those laws, which shall be obeyed to the very letter. Father, farewell.”

Thus saying, she hastened out of the chapel.

“I have done my duty,” said Ambrosio to himself.