door, and disembarrassed herself of her Lamp and Basket.

'I have succeeded!' She cried, throwing herself upon his bosom:
'Succeeded beyond my fondest hopes! I shall live, Ambrosio, shall live
for you! The step which I shuddered at taking proves to me a source of
joys inexpressible! Oh! that I dared communicate those joys to you!
Oh! that I were permitted to share with you my power, and raise you as
high above the level of your sex, as one bold deed has exalted me above
mine!'

'And what prevents you, Matilda?' interrupted the Friar; 'Why is your
business in the Cavern made a secret? Do you think me undeserving of
your confidence? Matilda, I must doubt the truth of your affection,
while you have joys in which I am forbidden to share.'

'You reproach me with injustice. I grieve sincerely that I am obliged
to conceal from you my happiness. But I am not to blame: The fault
lies not in me, but in yourself, my Ambrosio! You are still too much
the Monk. Your mind is enslaved by the prejudices of Education; And
Superstition might make you shudder at the idea of that which
experience has taught me to prize and value. At present you are unfit
to be trusted with a secret of such importance: But the strength of
your judgment; and the curiosity which I rejoice to see sparkling in
your eyes, makes me hope that you will one day deserve my confidence.
Till that period arrives, restrain your impatience. Remember that you
have given me your solemn oath never to enquire into this night's
adventures. I insist upon your keeping this oath: For though' She
added smiling, while She sealed his lips with a wanton kiss; 'Though I
forgive your breaking your vows to heaven, I expect you to keep your
vows to me.'

The Friar returned the embrace which had set his blood on fire. The
luxurious and unbounded excesses of the former night were renewed, and
they separated not till the Bell rang for Matins.

The same pleasures were frequently repeated. The Monks rejoiced in the
feigned Rosario's unexpected recovery, and none of them suspected his
real sex. The Abbot possessed his Mistress in tranquillity, and
perceiving his frailty unsuspected, abandoned himself to his passions
in full security. Shame and remorse no longer tormented him. Frequent
repetitions made him familiar with sin, and his bosom became proof
against the stings of Conscience. In these sentiments He was
encouraged by Matilda; But She soon was aware that She had sa