protect me; But now I am a
lone Woman, and meet with nothing but crosses and misfortunes! Thank
Heaven, it is not yet too late to repent! There is Simon Gonzalez will
have me any day of the week, and if I live till daybreak, I will marry
him out of hand: An Husband I will have, that is determined, for now
this Ghost is once in my House, I shall be frightened out of my wits to
sleep alone. But for God's sake, reverend Father, come with me now. I
shall have no rest till the House is purified, or the poor young Lady
either. The dear Girl! She is in a piteous taking: I left her in
strong convulsions, and I doubt, She will not easily recover her
fright.'

The Friar started, and interrupted her hastily.

'In convulsions, say you? Antonia in convulsions? Lead on, good
Woman! I follow you this moment!'

Jacintha insisted upon his stopping to furnish himself with the vessel
of holy water: With this request He complied. Thinking herself safe
under his protection should a Legion of Ghosts attack her, the old
Woman returned the Monk a profusion of thanks, and they departed
together for the Strada di San Iago.

So strong an impression had the Spectre made upon Antonia, that for the
first two or three hours the Physician declared her life to be in
danger. The fits at length becoming less frequent induced him to alter
his opinion. He said that to keep her quiet was all that was
necessary; and He ordered a medicine to be prepared which would
tranquillize her nerves, and procure her that repose which at present
She much wanted. The sight of Ambrosio, who now appeared with Jacintha
at her Bedside, contributed essentially to compose her ruffled spirits.
Elvira had not sufficiently explained herself upon the nature of his
designs, to make a Girl so ignorant of the world as her Daughter aware
how dangerous was his acquaintance. At this moment, when penetrated
with horror at the scene which had just past, and dreading to
contemplate the Ghost's prediction, her mind had need of all the
succours of friendship and religion, Antonia regarded the Abbot with an
eye doubly partial. That strong prepossession in his favour still
existed which She had felt for him at first sight: She fancied, yet
knew not wherefore, that his presence was a safeguard to her from every
danger, insult, or misfortune.

She thanked him gratefully for his visit, and related to him the
adventure, which had alarmed her so seriously.

The Abbot strove