ved sensations in my bosom till then unknown
to me; I found a delight in your society which no one's else could
afford; and when I witnessed the extent of your genius and information,
I rejoiced as does a Father in the perfections of his Son. Then lay
aside your fears; Speak to me with openness: Speak to me, Rosario, and
say that you will confide in me. If my aid or my pity can alleviate
your distress....'

'Yours can! Yours only can! Ah! Father, how willingly would I unveil
to you my heart! How willingly would I declare the secret which bows
me down with its weight! But Oh! I fear! I fear!'

'What, my Son?'

'That you should abhor me for my weakness; That the reward of my
confidence should be the loss of your esteem.'

'How shall I reassure you? Reflect upon the whole of my past conduct,
upon the paternal tenderness which I have ever shown you. Abhor you,
Rosario? It is no longer in my power. To give up your society would
be to deprive myself of the greatest pleasure of my life. Then reveal
to me what afflicts you, and believe me while I solemnly swear....'

'Hold!' interrupted the Novice; 'Swear, that whatever be my secret, you
will not oblige me to quit the Monastery till my Noviciate shall
expire.'

'I promise it faithfully, and as I keep my vows to you, may Christ keep
his to Mankind. Now then explain this mystery, and rely upon my
indulgence.'

'I obey you. Know then.... Oh! how I tremble to name the word!
Listen to me with pity, revered Ambrosio! Call up every latent spark
of human weakness that may teach you compassion for mine! Father!'
continued He throwing himself at the Friar's feet, and pressing his
hand to his lips with eagerness, while agitation for a moment choaked
his voice; 'Father!' continued He in faltering accents, 'I am a Woman!'

The Abbot started at this unexpected avowal. Prostrate on the ground
lay the feigned Rosario, as if waiting in silence the decision of his
Judge. Astonishment on the one part, apprehension on the other, for
some minutes chained them in the same attitudes, as had they been
touched by the Rod of some Magician. At length recovering from his
confusion, the Monk quitted the Grotto, and sped with precipitation
towards the Abbey. His action did not escape the Suppliant. She
sprang from the ground; She hastened to follow him, overtook him, threw
herself in his passage, and embraced his knees. Ambrosio strove in
vain to disengage himself from her