“Unhand me, father!” she cried, her honest indignation tempered by alarm at her unprotected position. “Why have you brought me to this place? Its appearance freezes me with horror! Convey me from hence, if you have the least sense of pity and humanity! Let me return to the house which I have quitted I know not how; but stay here one moment longer, I neither will, or ought.”

Though the monk was somewhat startled by the resolute tone in which this speech was delivered, it produced upon him no other effect than surprise. He caught her hand, forced her upon his knee, and gazing upon her with gloating eyes, he thus replied to her.