sed: But He was
still too great a novice in dissimulation, and He felt that He must
look confused and awkward. He soon broke off the conversation, and
rose to depart. What was his vexation, when on taking leave, Elvira
told him in polite terms, that being now perfectly reestablished, She
thought it an injustice to deprive Others of his company, who might be
more in need of it! She assured him of her eternal gratitude, for the
benefit which during her illness She had derived from his society and
exhortations: And She lamented that her domestic affairs, as well as
the multitude of business which his situation must of necessity impose
upon him, would in future deprive her of the pleasure of his visits.
Though delivered in the mildest language this hint was too plain to be
mistaken. Still, He was preparing to put in a remonstrance when an
expressive look from Elvira stopped him short. He dared not press her
to receive him, for her manner convinced him that He was discovered:
He submitted without reply, took an hasty leave, and retired to the
Abbey, his heart filled with rage and shame, with bitterness and
disappointment.

Antonia's mind felt relieved by his departure; Yet She could not help
lamenting that She was never to see him more. Elvira also felt a
secret sorrow; She had received too much pleasure from thinking him her
Friend, not to regret the necessity of changing her opinion: But her
mind was too much accustomed to the fallacy of worldly friendships to
permit her present disappointment to weigh upon it long. She now
endeavoured to make her Daughter aware of the risque which She had ran:
But She was obliged to treat the subject with caution, lest in removing
the bandage of ignorance, the veil of innocence should be rent away.
She therefore contented herself with warning Antonia to be upon her
guard, and ordering her, should the Abbot persist in his visits, never
to receive them but in company. With this injunction Antonia promised
to comply.

Ambrosio hastened to his Cell. He closed the door after him, and threw
himself upon the bed in despair. The impulse of desire, the stings of
disappointment, the shame of detection, and the fear of being publicly
unmasked, rendered his bosom a scene of the most horrible confusion.
He knew not what course to pursue. Debarred the presence of Antonia,
He had no hopes of satisfying that passion which was now become a part
of his existence. He reflected that his secre