t of the Domina stopped
me. I drew back with caution, and concealed myself behind a thick
clump of Trees.

The Prioress advanced and seated herself with Agnes on a Bench at no
great distance. I heard her in an angry tone blame her Companion's
continual melancholy: She told her that to weep the loss of any Lover
in her situation was a crime; But that to weep the loss of a faithless
one was folly and absurdity in the extreme. Agnes replied in so low a
voice that I could not distinguish her words, but I perceived that She
used terms of gentleness and submission. The conversation was
interrupted by the arrival of a young Pensioner who informed the Domina
that She was waited for in the Parlour. The old Lady rose, kissed the
cheek of Agnes, and retired. The newcomer remained. Agnes spoke much
to her in praise of somebody whom I could not make out, but her Auditor
seemed highly delighted, and interested by the conversation. The Nun
showed her several letters; the Other perused them with evident
pleasure, obtained permission to copy them, and withdrew for that
purpose to my great satisfaction.

No sooner was She out of sight, than I quitted my concealment. Fearing
to alarm my lovely Mistress, I drew near her gently, intending to
discover myself by degrees. But who for a moment can deceive the eyes
of love? She raised her head at my approach, and recognised me in
spite of my disguise at a single glance. She rose hastily from her
seat with an exclamation of surprize, and attempted to retire; But I
followed her, detained her, and entreated to be heard. Persuaded of my
falsehood She refused to listen to me, and ordered me positively to
quit the Garden. It was now my turn to refuse. I protested that
however dangerous might be the consequences, I would not leave her till
She had heard my justification. I assured her that She had been
deceived by the artifices of her Relations; that I could convince her
beyond the power of doubt that my passion had been pure and
disinterested; and I asked her what should induce me to seek her in the
Convent, were I influenced by the selfish motives which my Enemies had
ascribed to me.

My prayers, my arguments, and vows not to quit her, till She had
promised to listen to me, united to her fears lest the Nuns should see
me with her, to her natural curiosity, and to the effection which She
still felt for me in spite of my supposed desertion, at length
prevailed. She told me that to gr