ted only his senses without touching his heart,
He forgot them as soon as they were out of his sight. The danger of
discovery, the fear of being repulsed, the loss of reputation, all
these considerations counselled him to stifle his desires: And though
He now felt for it the most perfect indifference, He was necessitated
to confine himself to Matilda's person.

One morning, the confluence of Penitents was greater than usual. He was
detained in the Confessional Chair till a late hour. At length the
crowd was dispatched, and He prepared to quit the Chapel, when two
Females entered and drew near him with humility. They threw up their
veils, and the youngest entreated him to listen to her for a few
moments. The melody of her voice, of that voice to which no Man ever
listened without interest, immediately caught Ambrosio's attention. He
stopped. The Petitioner seemed bowed down with affliction: Her cheeks
were pale, her eyes dimmed with tears, and her hair fell in disorder
over her face and bosom. Still her countenance was so sweet, so
innocent, so heavenly, as might have charmed an heart less susceptible,
than that which panted in the Abbot's breast. With more than usual
softness of manner He desired her to proceed, and heard her speak as
follows with an emotion which increased every moment.

'Reverend Father, you see an Unfortunate, threatened with the loss of
her dearest, of almost her only Friend! My Mother, my excellent Mother
lies upon the bed of sickness. A sudden and dreadful malady seized her
last night; and so rapid has been its progress, that the Physicians
despair of her life. Human aid fails me; Nothing remains for me but to
implore the mercy of Heaven. Father, all Madrid rings with the report
of your piety and virtue. Deign to remember my Mother in your prayers:
Perhaps they may prevail on the Almighty to spare her; and should that
be the case, I engage myself every Thursday in the next three Months to
illuminate the Shrine of St. Francis in his honour.'

'So!' thought the Monk; 'Here we have a second Vincentio della Ronda.
Rosario's adventure began thus,' and He wished secretly that this might
have the same conclusion.

He acceded to the request. The Petitioner returned him thanks with
every mark of gratitude, and then continued.

'I have yet another favour to ask. We are Strangers in Madrid; My
Mother needs a Confessor, and knows not to whom She should apply. We
understand that you never