“You apprehend the loss of my friendship? How has my conduct justified this fear? Know me better, Rosario, and think me worthy of your confidence. What are your sufferings? Reveal them to me, and believe that if ’tis in my power to relieve them.⁠ ⁠…”

“Ah! ’tis in no one’s power but yours. Yet I must not let you know them. You would hate me for my avowal! You would drive me from your presence with scorn and ignominy!”

“My son, I conjure you! I entreat you!”

“For pity’s sake, enquire no further! I must not⁠ ⁠… I dare not⁠ ⁠… Hark! The bell rings for vespers! Father, your benediction, and I leave you!”

As he said this, he threw himself upon his knees and received the blessing which he demanded. Then pressing the abbot’s hand to his lips, he started from the ground and hastily quitted the apartment. Soon after Ambrosio descended to vespers (which were celebrated in a small chapel belonging to the abbey), filled with surprise at the singularity of the youth’s behaviour.