He saw that to obtain a sight of his mistress by open means was out of the question; and both himself and Matilda had consumed the night, in endeavouring to invent some plan, whose event might be more successful. Such was their employment, when a lay-brother entered the abbot’s cell, and informed him that a woman calling herself Jacintha Zuniga requested audience for a few minutes.

Ambrosio was by no means disposed to grant the petition of his visitor. He refused it positively, and bad the lay-brother tell the stranger to return the next day. Matilda interrupted him.

“See this woman,” said she in a low voice; “I have my reasons.”

The abbot obeyed her, and signified that he would go to the parlour immediately. With this answer the lay-brother withdrew. As soon as they were alone Ambrosio enquired why Matilda wished him to see this Jacintha.

“She is Antonia’s hostess,” replied Matilda; “She may possibly be of use to you: but let us examine her, and learn what brings her hither.”