a degree in the esteem of Lorenzo. She had no occasion
to trouble herself upon this head. The kindness already displayed by
her and the tender concern which She had shown for the Sufferer had
gained her an exalted place in his good graces. While occupied in
alleviating the Captive's sorrows, the nature of her employment adorned
her with new charms, and rendered her beauty a thousand times more
interesting. Lorenzo viewed her with admiration and delight: He
considered her as a ministering Angel descended to the aid of afflicted
innocence; nor could his heart have resisted her attractions, had it
not been steeled by the remembrance of Antonia.

The Duke now conveyed the Nuns in safety to the Dwellings of their
respective Friends. The rescued Prisoner was still insensible and gave
no signs of life, except by occasional groans. She was borne upon a
sort of litter; Virginia, who was constantly by the side of it, was
apprehensive that exhausted by long abstinence, and shaken by the
sudden change from bonds and darkness to liberty and light, her frame
would never get the better of the shock. Lorenzo and Don Ramirez still
remained in the Sepulchre. After deliberating upon their proceedings,
it was resolved that to prevent losing time, the Archers should be
divided into two Bodies: That with one Don Ramirez should examine the
cavern, while Lorenzo with the other might penetrate into the further
Vaults. This being arranged, and his Followers being provided with
Torches, Don Ramirez advanced to the Cavern. He had already descended
some steps when He heard People approaching hastily from the interior
part of the Sepulchre. This surprized him, and He quitted the Cave
precipitately.

'Do you hear footsteps?' said Lorenzo; 'Let us bend our course towards
them. 'Tis from this side that they seem to proceed.'

At that moment a loud and piercing shriek induced him to quicken his
steps.

'Help! Help, for God's sake! cried a voice, whose melodious tone
penetrated Lorenzo's heart with terror.

He flew towards the cry with the rapidity of lightning, and was
followed by Don Ramirez with equal swiftness.

CHAPTER IV

Great Heaven! How frail thy creature Man is made!
How by himself insensibly betrayed!
In our own strength unhappily secure,
Too little cautious of the adverse power,
On pleasure's flowery brink we idly stray,
Masters as yet of our returning way:
Till the strong gusts of raging passion r