(112)
"You have heard my decision, and it must be obeyed: the laws of our order forbid your stay: it would be perjury to conceal that a woman is within these walls, and my vows will oblige me to declare your story to the community. You must from hence. I pity you, but can do no more."
He pronounced these words in a faint and trembling voice; then, rising from his seat, he would have hastened towards the monastery. Uttering a loud shriek, Matilda followed, and detained him.
"Stay yet one moment, Ambrosio! hear me yet speak one word!"
"I dare not listen. Release me: you know my resolution."
"But one word! but one last word, and I have done!"
"Leave me. Your entreaties are in vain: you must from hence to-morrow."
"Go then, barbarian! But this resource is still left me."
As she said this, she suddenly drew a poniard. She rent open her garment, andplaced
