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church. They were eagerly preparing to obey her; when Don Ramirez, protected by the archers from their rage, commanded them to forbear, and threatened them with the severest vengeance of the Inquisition. At that dreaded word every arm fell, every sword shrunk back into its scabbard. The prioress herself turned pale, and trembled. The general silence convinced her that she had nothing to hope but from innocence, and she besought Don Ramirez in a faultering voice, to inform her of what crime she was accused.
"That you shall know in time," replied he; "but first I must secure the Mother St. Ursula."
"The Mother St. Ursula?" repeated the domina faintly.
At this moment casting her eyes round, she saw Lorenzo and the duke, who had followed Don Ramirez.
"Ah! great God!" she cried, clasping her hands together with a frantic air, "I am betrayed."
"Be-
