For a moment amazement held the domina silent and immovable: but no sooner did she recover herself, than she exclaimed against sacrilege and impiety, and called the people to rescue a daughter of the church. They were eagerly preparing to obey her; when Don Ramirez, protected by the archers from their rage, commanded them to forbear, and threatened them with the severest vengeance of the inquisition. At that dreaded word every arm fell, every sword shrunk back into its scabbard. The prioress herself turned pale, and trembled. The general silence convinced her that she had nothing to hope but from innocence, and she besought Don Ramirez in a faltering voice, to inform her of what crime she was accused.

“That you shall know in time,” replied he; “but first I must secure the Mother St. Ursula.”

“The Mother St. Ursula?” repeated the domina faintly.