, and which is situated about a mile from hence.'

You may be certain that I waited with impatience for the ensuing
Friday. I again beheld my lovely Mistress. She cast her eyes upon me,
as She passed the Inn-door. A blush which overspread her cheek told me
that in spite of my disguise I had been recognised. I bowed
profoundly. She returned the compliment by a slight inclination of the
head as if made to one inferior, and looked another way till the
Carriage was out of sight.

The long-expected, long-wished for night arrived. It was calm, and the
Moon was at the full. As soon as the Clock struck eleven I hastened to
my appointment, determined not to be too late. Theodore had provided a
Ladder; I ascended the Garden wall without difficulty; The Page
followed me, and drew the Ladder after us. I posted myself in the West
Pavilion, and waited impatiently for the approach of Agnes. Every
breeze that whispered, every leaf that fell, I believed to be her
footstep, and hastened to meet her. Thus was I obliged to pass a full
hour, every minute of which appeared to me an age. The Castle Bell at
length tolled twelve, and scarcely could I believe the night to be no
further advanced. Another quarter of an hour elapsed, and I heard the
light foot of my Mistress approaching the Pavilion with precaution. I
flew to receive her, and conducted her to a seat. I threw myself at
her feet, and was expressing my joy at seeing her, when She thus
interrupted me.

'We have no time to lose, Alphonso: The moments are precious, for
though no more a Prisoner, Cunegonda watches my every step. An express
is arrived from my Father; I must depart immediately for Madrid, and
'tis with difficulty that I have obtained a week's delay. The
superstition of my Parents, supported by the representations of my
cruel Aunt, leaves me no hope of softening them to compassion. In this
dilemma I have resolved to commit myself to your honour: God grant
that you may never give me cause to repent my resolution! Flight is my
only resource from the horrors of a Convent, and my imprudence must be
excused by the urgency of the danger. Now listen to the plan by which
I hope to effect my escape.

'We are now at the thirtieth of April. On the fifth day from this the
Visionary Nun is expected to appear. In my last visit to the Convent I
provided myself with a dress proper for the character: A Friend, whom
I have left there and to whom I made no scruple to