d to drop the idea of interposing in her
behalf.

Near an hour had elapsed, since Matilda descended into the Caverns;
Still She returned not. Ambrosio's curiosity was excited. He drew
near the Staircase. He listened. All was silent, except that at
intervals He caught the sound of Matilda's voice, as it wound along the
subterraneous passages, and was re-echoed by the Sepulchre's vaulted
roofs. She was at too great a distance for him to distinguish her
words, and ere they reached him they were deadened into a low murmur.
He longed to penetrate into this mystery. He resolved to disobey her
injunctions and follow her into the Cavern. He advanced to the
Staircase; He had already descended some steps when his courage failed
him. He remembered Matilda's menaces if He infringed her orders, and
his bosom was filled with a secret unaccountable awe. He returned up
the stairs, resumed his former station, and waited impatiently for the
conclusion of this adventure.

Suddenly He was sensible of a violent shock: An earthquake rocked the
ground. The Columns which supported the roof under which He stood were
so strongly shaken, that every moment menaced him with its fall, and at
the same moment He heard a loud and tremendous burst of thunder. It
ceased, and his eyes being fixed upon the Staircase, He saw a bright
column of light flash along the Caverns beneath. It was seen but for
an instant. No sooner did it disappear, than all was once more quiet
and obscure. Profound Darkness again surrounded him, and the silence
of night was only broken by the whirring Bat, as She flitted slowly by
him.

With every instant Ambrosio's amazement increased. Another hour
elapsed, after which the same light again appeared and was lost again
as suddenly. It was accompanied by a strain of sweet but solemn Music,
which as it stole through the Vaults below, inspired the Monk with
mingled delight and terror. It had not long been hushed, when He heard
Matilda's steps upon the Staircase. She ascended from the Cavern; The
most lively joy animated her beautiful features.

'Did you see any thing?' She asked.

'Twice I saw a column of light flash up the Staircase.'

'Nothing else?'

'Nothing.'

'The Morning is on the point of breaking. Let us retire to the Abbey,
lest daylight should betray us.'

With a light step She hastened from the burying-ground. She regained
her Cell, and the curious Abbot still accompanied her. She closed the