curiosity made him press me to interrogate
the Assassin in his presence, but this curiosity I was by no means
inclined to gratify. One reason was, that doubting from whence the
blow came, I was unwilling to place before Don Gaston's eyes the guilt
of a Sister: Another was, that I feared to be recognized for Alphonso
d'Alvarada, and precautions taken in consequence to keep me from the
sight of Agnes. To avow my passion for his Daughter, and endeavour to
make him enter into my schemes, what I knew of Don Gaston's character
convinced me would be an imprudent step: and considering it to be
essential that He should know me for no other than the Conde de las
Cisternas, I was determined not to let him hear the Bravo's confession.
I insinuated to him, that as I suspected a Lady to be concerned in the
Business, whose name might accidentally escape from the Assassin, it
was necessary for me to examine the Man in private. Don Gaston's
delicacy would not permit his urging the point any longer, and in
consequence the Bravo was conveyed to my Hotel.

The next Morning I took leave of my Host, who was to return to the Duke
on the same day. My wounds had been so trifling that, except being
obliged to wear my arm in a sling for a short time, I felt no
inconvenience from the night's adventure. The Surgeon who examined the
Bravo's wound declared it to be mortal: He had just time to confess
that He had been instigated to murder me by the revengeful Donna
Rodolpha, and expired in a few minutes after.

All my thoughts were now bent upon getting to the speech of my lovely
Nun. Theodore set himself to work, and for this time with better
success. He attacked the Gardener of St. Clare so forcibly with bribes
and promises that the Old Man was entirely gained over to my interests;
and it was settled that I should be introduced into the Convent in the
character of his Assistant. The plan was put into execution without
delay. Disguised in a common habit, and a black patch covering one of
my eyes, I was presented to the Lady Prioress, who condescended to
approve of the Gardener's choice. I immediately entered upon my
employment. Botany having been a favourite study with me, I was by no
means at a loss in my new station. For some days I continued to work
in the Convent Garden without meeting the Object of my disguise: On the
fourth Morning I was more successful. I heard the voice of Agnes, and
was speeding towards the sound, when the sigh