“Your declaration has so much astonished me,” said he, “that I am at present incapable of answering you. Do not insist upon a reply, Matilda; leave me to myself; I have need to be alone.”

“I obey you⁠—but before I go, promise not to insist upon my quitting the abbey immediately.”

“Matilda, reflect upon your situation; reflect upon the consequences of your stay. Our separation is indispensable, and we must part.”

“But not today, Father! Oh! in pity not today!”

“You press me too hard, but I cannot resist that tone of supplication. Since you insist upon it, I yield to your prayer: I consent to your remaining here a sufficient time to prepare in some measure the brethren for your departure. Stay yet two days; but on the third,”⁠ ⁠… (He sighed involuntarily)⁠—“Remember, that on the third we must part forever!”

She caught his hand eagerly, and pressed it to her lips.

“On the third?” she exclaimed with an air of wild solemnity; “You are right, Father! You are right! On the third we must part forever!”

There was a dreadful expression in her eye as she uttered these words, which penetrated the friar’s soul with horror: again she kissed his hand, and then fled with rapidity from the chamber.