d me. Suddenly the door
of the Pavilion was thrown open, and Cunegonda stood before us. She
had heard Agnes steal out of her chamber, followed her into the Garden,
and perceived her entering the Pavilion. Favoured by the Trees which
shaded it, and unperceived by Theodore who waited at a little distance,
She had approached in silence, and overheard our whole conversation.

'Admirable!' cried Cunegonda in a voice shrill with passion, while
Agnes uttered a loud shriek; 'By St. Barbara, young Lady, you have an
excellent invention! You must personate the Bleeding Nun, truly? What
impiety! What incredulity! Marry, I have a good mind to let you
pursue your plan: When the real Ghost met you, I warrant, you would be
in a pretty condition! Don Alphonso, you ought to be ashamed of
yourself for seducing a young ignorant Creature to leave her family and
Friends: However, for this time at least I shall mar your wicked
designs. The noble Lady shall be informed of the whole affair, and
Agnes must defer playing the Spectre till a better opportunity.
Farewell, Segnor-- Donna Agnes, let me have the honour of conducting
your Ghost-ship back to your apartment.'

She approached the Sopha on which her trembling Pupil was seated, took
her by the hand, and prepared to lead her from the Pavilion.

I detained her, and strove by entreaties, soothing, promises, and
flattery to win her to my party: But finding all that I could say of
no avail, I abandoned the vain attempt.

'Your obstinacy must be its own punishment,' said I; 'But one resource
remains to save Agnes and myself, and I shall not hesitate to employ
it.'

Terrified at this menace, She again endeavoured to quit the Pavilion;
But I seized her by the wrist, and detained her forcibly. At the same
moment Theodore, who had followed her into the room, closed the door,
and prevented her escape. I took the veil of Agnes: I threw it round
the Duenna's head, who uttered such piercing shrieks that in spite of
our distance from the Castle, I dreaded their being heard. At length I
succeeded in gagging her so compleatly that She could not produce a
single sound. Theodore and myself with some difficulty next contrived
to bind her hands and feet with our handkerchiefs; And I advised Agnes
to regain her chamber with all diligence. I promised that no harm
should happen to Cunegonda, bad her remember that on the fifth of May I
should be in waiting at the Great Gate of the Castle, and to