“So then,” said she to the abbot with a look half-satirical and half indignant; “So then you mean to stay here tonight? Do so, in God’s name! Nobody will prevent you. Sit up to watch for the ghost’s arrival: I shall sit up too, and the lord grant that I may see nothing worse than a ghost! I quit not Donna Antonia’s bedside during this blessed night: let me see anyone dare to enter the room, and be he mortal or immortal, be he ghost, devil, or man, I warrant his repenting that ever he crossed the threshold!”

This hint was sufficiently strong, and Ambrosio understood its meaning. But instead of showing that he perceived her suspicions; he replied mildly that he approved the duenna’s precautions, and advised her to persevere in her intention. This, she assured him faithfully that he might depend upon her doing. Jacintha then conducted him into the chamber where the ghost had appeared, and Flora returned to her lady’s.