“Happy, happy image!” Thus did she address the beautiful Madonna; “ ’Tis to you that he offers his prayers! ’Tis on you that he gazes with admiration! I thought you would have lightened my sorrows; you have only served to increase their weight: you have made me feel that had I known him ere his vows were pronounced, Ambrosio and happiness might have been mine. With what pleasure he views this picture! With what fervour he addresses his prayers to the insensible image! Ah! may not his sentiments be inspired by some kind and secret genius, friend to my affection? May it not be man’s natural instinct which informs him … Be silent, idle hopes! Let me not encourage an idea which takes from the brilliance of Ambrosio’s virtue. ’Tis religion, not beauty which attracts his admiration; ’tis not to the woman, but the divinity that he kneels. Would he but address to me the least tender expression which he pours forth to this Madonna! Would he but say that were he not already affianced to the church, he would not have despised Matilda! Oh! let me nourish that fond idea! Perhaps he may yet acknowledge that he feels for me more than pity, and that affection like mine might well have deserved a return; perhaps, he may own thus much when I lie on my deathbed!
Of this discourse the abbot lost not a syllable; and the tone in which she pronounced these last words pierced to his heart. Involuntarily he raised himself from his pillow.
“Matilda!” he said in a troubled voice; “Oh! my Matilda!”
She started at the sound, and turned towards him hastily. The suddenness of her movement made her cowl fall back from her head; her features became visible to the monk’s enquiring eye. What was his amazement at beholding the exact resemblance of his admired Madonna? The same exquisite proportion of features, the same profusion of golden hair, the same rosy lips, heavenly eyes, and majesty of countenance adorned Matilda! Uttering an exclamation of surprise, Ambrosio sank back upon his pillow, and doubted whether the object before him was mortal or divine.