“Admirable!” cried Cunegonda in a voice shrill with passion, while Agnes uttered a loud shriek; “By St. Barbara, young lady, you have an excellent invention! You must personate the Bleeding Nun, truly? What impiety! What incredulity! Marry, I have a good mind to let you pursue your plan: when the real ghost met you, I warrant, you would be in a pretty condition! Don Alphonso, you ought to be ashamed of yourself for seducing a young ignorant creature to leave her family and friends: however, for this time at least I shall mar your wicked designs. The noble lady shall be informed of the whole affair, and Agnes must defer playing the spectre till a better opportunity. Farewell, señor⁠—Donna Agnes, let me have the honour of conducting your ghostship back to your apartment.”

She approached the sofa on which her trembling pupil was seated, took her by the hand, and prepared to lead her from the pavilion.