The Monk: A Romance

The Monk: A Romance Page 4

by M. G. Lewis

  CHAPTER I

  Avaunt! and quit my sight! Let the Earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold! Thou hast no speculation in those eyes Which Thou dost glare with! Hence, horrible shadow! Unreal mockery hence! Macbeth.

  Continuation of the History of Don Raymond.

  My journey was uncommonly agreeable: I found the Baron a Man of somesense, but little knowledge of the world. He had past a great part ofhis life without stirring beyond the precincts of his own domains, andconsequently his manners were far from being the most polished: But Hewas hearty, good-humoured, and friendly. His attention to me was allthat I could wish, and I had every reason to be satisfied with hisbehaviour. His ruling passion was Hunting, which He had brought himselfto consider as a serious occupation; and when talking over someremarkable chace, He treated the subject with as much gravity as it hadbeen a Battle on which the fate of two kingdoms was depending. Ihappened to be a tolerable Sportsman: Soon after my arrival atLindenberg I gave some proofs of my dexterity. The Baron immediatelymarked me down for a Man of Genius, and vowed to me an eternalfriendship.

  That friendship was become to me by no means indifferent. At theCastle of Lindenberg I beheld for the first time your Sister, thelovely Agnes. For me whose heart was unoccupied, and who grieved atthe void, to see her and to love her were the same. I found in Agnesall that was requisite to secure my affection. She was then scarcelysixteen; Her person light and elegant was already formed; She possessedseveral talents in perfection, particularly those of Music and drawing:Her character was gay, open, and good-humoured; and the gracefulsimplicity of her dress and manners formed an advantageous contrast tothe art and studied Coquetry of the Parisian Dames, whom I had justquitted. From the moment that I beheld her, I felt the most livelyinterest in her fate. I made many enquiries respecting her of theBaroness.

  'She is my Niece,' replied that Lady; 'You are still ignorant, DonAlphonso, that I am your Countrywoman. I am Sister to the Duke ofMedina Celi: Agnes is the Daughter of my second Brother, Don Gaston:She has been destined to the Convent from her cradle, and will soonmake her profession at Madrid.'

  (Here Lorenzo interrupted the Marquis by an exclamation of surprise.

  'Intended for the Convent from her cradle?' said He; 'By heaven, thisis the first word that I ever heard of such a design!'

  'I believe it, my dear Lorenzo,' answered Don Raymond; 'But you mustlisten to me with patience. You will not be less surprised, when Irelate some particulars of your family still unknown to you, and whichI have learnt from the mouth of Agnes herself.'

  He then resumed his narrative as follows.)

  You cannot but be aware that your Parents were unfortunately Slaves tothe grossest superstition: When this foible was called into play,their every other sentiment, their every other passion yielded to itsirresistible strength. While She was big with Agnes, your Mother wasseized by a dangerous illness, and given over by her Physicians. Inthis situation, Donna Inesilla vowed, that if She recovered from hermalady, the Child then living in her bosom if a Girl should bededicated to St. Clare, if a Boy to St. Benedict. Her prayers wereheard; She got rid of her complaint; Agnes entered the world alive, andwas immediately destined to the service of St. Clare.

  Don Gaston readily chimed in with his Lady's wishes: But knowing thesentiments of the Duke, his Brother, respecting a Monastic life, it wasdetermined that your Sister's destination should be carefully concealedfrom him. The better to guard the secret, it was resolved that Agnesshould accompany her Aunt, Donna Rodolpha into Germany, whither thatLady was on the point of following her new-married Husband, BaronLindenberg. On her arrival at that Estate, the young Agnes was putinto a Convent, situated but a few miles from the Castle. The Nuns towhom her education was confided performed their charge with exactitude:They made her a perfect Mistress of many talents, and strove to infuseinto her mind a taste for the retirement and tranquil pleasures of aConvent. But a secret instinct made the young Recluse sensible thatShe was not born for solitude: In all the freedom of youth and gaiety,She scrupled not to treat as ridiculous many ceremonies which the Nunsregarded with awe; and She was never more happy than when her livelyimagination inspired her with some scheme to plague the stiff LadyAbbess, or the ugly ill-tempered old Porteress. She looked withdisgust upon the prospect before her: However no alternative wasoffered to her, and She submitted to the decree of her Parents, thoughnot without secret repining.

  That repugnance She had not art enough to conceal long: Don Gaston wasinformed of it. Alarmed, Lorenzo, lest your affection for her shouldoppose itself to his projects, and lest you should positively object toyour Sister's misery, He resolved to keep the whole affair from YOURknowledge as well as the Duke's, till the sacrifice should beconsummated. The season of her taking the veil was fixed for the timewhen you should be upon your travels: In the meanwhile no hint wasdropped of Donna Inesilla's fatal vow. Your Sister was never permittedto know your direction. All your letters were read before She receivedthem, and those parts effaced, which were likely to nourish herinclination for the world: Her answers were dictated either by herAunt, or by Dame Cunegonda, her Governess. These particulars I learntpartly from Agnes, partly from the Baroness herself.

  I immediately determined upon rescuing this lovely Girl from a fate socontrary to her inclinations, and ill-suited to her merit. Iendeavoured to ingratiate myself into her favour: I boasted of myfriendship and intimacy with you. She listened to me with avidity; Sheseemed to devour my words while I spoke in your praise, and her eyesthanked me for my affection to her Brother. My constant and unremittedattention at length gained me her heart, and with difficulty I obligedher to confess that She loved me. When however, I proposed herquitting the Castle of Lindenberg, She rejected the idea in positiveterms.

  'Be generous, Alphonso,' She said; 'You possess my heart, but use notthe gift ignobly. Employ not your ascendancy over me in persuading meto take a step, at which I should hereafter have to blush. I am youngand deserted: My Brother, my only Friend, is separated from me, and myother Relations act with me as my Enemies. Take pity on my unprotectedsituation. Instead of seducing me to an action which would cover mewith shame, strive rather to gain the affections of those who governme. The Baron esteems you. My Aunt, to others ever harsh proud andcontemptuous, remembers that you rescued her from the hands ofMurderers, and wears with you alone the appearance of kindness andbenignity. Try then your influence over my Guardians. If they consentto our union my hand is yours: From your account of my Brother, Icannot doubt your obtaining his approbation: And when they find theimpossibility of executing their design, I trust that my Parents willexcuse my disobedience, and expiate by some other sacrifice my Mother'sfatal vow.'

  From the first moment that I beheld Agnes, I had endeavoured toconciliate the favour of her Relations. Authorised by the confessionof her regard, I redoubled my exertions. My principal Battery wasdirected against the Baroness; It was easy to discover that her wordwas law in the Castle: Her Husband paid her the most absolutesubmission, and considered her as a superior Being. She was aboutforty: In her youth She had been a Beauty; But her charms had beenupon that large scale which can but ill sustain the shock of years:However She still possessed some remains of them. Her understandingwas strong and excellent when not obscured by prejudice, whichunluckily was but seldom the case. Her passions were violent: Shespared no pains to gratify them, and pursued with unremitting vengeancethose who opposed themselves to her wishes. The warmest of Friends,the most inveterate of Enemies, such was the Baroness Lindenberg.

  I laboured incessantly to please her: Unluckily I succeeded but toowell. She seemed gratified by my attention, and treated me with adistinction accorded by her to no one else. One of my dailyoccupations was reading to her for several hours: Those hours I shouldmuch rather have past with Agnes; But as I was conscious thatcomplaisance for her Aunt would advance our union, I submitted with agood grace to the penance
imposed upon me. Donna Rodolpha's Librarywas principally composed of old Spanish Romances: These were herfavourite studies, and once a day one of these unmerciful Volumes wasput regularly into my hands. I read the wearisome adventures of'Perceforest,' 'Tirante the White,' 'Palmerin of England,' and 'theKnight of the Sun,' till the Book was on the point of falling from myhands through Ennui. However, the increasing pleasure which theBaroness seemed to take in my society, encouraged me to persevere; andlatterly She showed for me a partiality so marked, that Agnes advisedme to seize the first opportunity of declaring our mutual passion toher Aunt.

  One Evening, I was alone with Donna Rodolpha in her own apartment. Asour readings generally treated of love, Agnes was never permitted toassist at them. I was just congratulating myself on having finished'The Loves of Tristan and the Queen Iseult----'

  'Ah! The Unfortunates!' cried the Baroness; 'How say you, Segnor? Doyou think it possible for Man to feel an attachment so disinterestedand sincere?'

  'I cannot doubt it,' replied I; 'My own heart furnishes me with thecertainty. Ah! Donna Rodolpha, might I but hope for your approbationof my love! Might I but confess the name of my Mistress withoutincurring your resentment!'

  She interrupted me.

  'Suppose, I were to spare you that confession? Suppose I were toacknowledge that the object of your desires is not unknown to me?Suppose I were to say that She returns your affection, and laments notless sincerely than yourself the unhappy vows which separate her fromyou?'

  'Ah! Donna Rodolpha!' I exclaimed, throwing myself upon my knees beforeher, and pressing her hand to my lips, 'You have discovered my secret!What is your decision? Must I despair, or may I reckon upon yourfavour?'

  She withdrew not the hand which I held; But She turned from me, andcovered her face with the other.

  'How can I refuse it you?' She replied; 'Ah! Don Alphonso, I have longperceived to whom your attentions were directed, but till now Iperceived not the impression which they made upon my heart.

  At length I can no longer hide my weakness either from myself or fromyou. I yield to the violence of my passion, and own that I adore you!For three long months I stifled my desires; But grown stronger byresistance, I submit to their impetuosity. Pride, fear, and honour,respect for myself, and my engagements to the Baron, all arevanquished. I sacrifice them to my love for you, and it still seems tome that I pay too mean a price for your possession.'

  She paused for an answer.--Judge, my Lorenzo, what must have been myconfusion at this discovery. I at once saw all the magnitude of thisobstacle, which I had raised myself to my happiness. The Baroness hadplaced those attentions to her own account, which I had merely paid herfor the sake of Agnes: And the strength of her expressions, the lookswhich accompanied them, and my knowledge of her revengeful dispositionmade me tremble for myself and my Beloved. I was silent for someminutes. I knew not how to reply to her declaration: I could onlyresolve to clear up the mistake without delay, and for the present toconceal from her knowledge the name of my Mistress. No sooner had Sheavowed her passion than the transports which before were evident in myfeatures gave place to consternation and constraint. I dropped herhand, and rose from my knees. The change in my countenance did notescape her observation.

  'What means this silence?' said She in a trembling voice; 'Where isthat joy which you led me to expect?'

  'Forgive me, Segnora,' I answered, 'if what necessity forces from meshould seem harsh and ungrateful: To encourage you in an error, which,however it may flatter myself, must prove to you the source ofdisappointment, would make me appear criminal in every eye. Honourobliges me to inform you that you have mistaken for the solicitude ofLove what was only the attention of Friendship. The latter sentimentis that which I wished to excite in your bosom: To entertain a warmer,respect for you forbids me, and gratitude for the Baron's generoustreatment. Perhaps these reasons would not be sufficient to shield mefrom your attractions, were it not that my affections are alreadybestowed upon another. You have charms, Segnora, which might captivatethe most insensible; No heart unoccupied could resist them. Happy isit for me that mine is no longer in my possession; or I should have toreproach myself for ever with having violated the Laws of Hospitality.Recollect yourself, noble Lady; Recollect what is owed by you tohonour, by me to the Baron, and replace by esteem and friendship thosesentiments which I never can return.'

  The Baroness turned pale at this unexpected and positive declaration:She doubted whether She slept or woke. At length recovering from hersurprise, consternation gave place to rage, and the blood rushed backinto her cheeks with violence.

  'Villain!' She cried; 'Monster of deceit! Thus is the avowal of mylove received? Is it thus that.... But no, no! It cannot, itshall not be! Alphonso, behold me at your feet! Be witness of mydespair! Look with pity on a Woman who loves you with sincereaffection! She who possesses your heart, how has She merited such atreasure? What sacrifice has She made to you?

  What raises her above Rodolpha?'

  I endeavoured to lift her from her Knees.

  'For God's sake, Segnora, restrain these transports: They disgraceyourself and me. Your exclamations may be heard, and your secretdivulged to your Attendants. I see that my presence only irritatesyou: permit me to retire.'

  I prepared to quit the apartment: The Baroness caught me suddenly bythe arm.

  'And who is this happy Rival?' said She in a menacing tone; 'I willknow her name, and WHEN I know it.... ! She is someone in my power;You entreated my favour, my protection! Let me but find her, let mebut know who dares to rob me of your heart, and She shall suffer everytorment which jealousy and disappointment can inflict! Who is She?Answer me this moment. Hope not to conceal her from my vengeance!Spies shall be set over you; every step, every look shall be watched;Your eyes will discover my Rival; I shall know her, and when She isfound, tremble, Alphonso for her and for yourself!'

  As She uttered these last words her fury mounted to such a pitch as tostop her powers of respiration. She panted, groaned, and at lengthfainted away. As She was falling I caught her in my arms, and placedher upon a Sopha. Then hastening to the door, I summoned her Women toher assistance; I committed her to their care, and seized theopportunity of escaping.

  Agitated and confused beyond expression I bent my steps towards theGarden. The benignity with which the Baroness had listened to me atfirst raised my hopes to the highest pitch: I imagined her to haveperceived my attachment for her Niece, and to approve of it. Extremewas my disappointment at understanding the true purport of herdiscourse. I knew not what course to take: The superstition of theParents of Agnes, aided by her Aunt's unfortunate passion, seemed tooppose such obstacles to our union as were almost insurmountable.

  As I past by a low parlour, whose windows looked into the Garden,through the door which stood half open I observed Agnes seated at aTable. She was occupied in drawing, and several unfinished sketcheswere scattered round her. I entered, still undetermined whether Ishould acquaint her with the declaration of the Baroness.

  'Oh! is it only you?' said She, raising her head; 'You are no Stranger,and I shall continue my occupation without ceremony. Take a Chair, andseat yourself by me.'

  I obeyed, and placed myself near the Table. Unconscious what I wasdoing, and totally occupied by the scene which had just passed, I tookup some of the drawings, and cast my eye over them. One of thesubjects struck me from its singularity. It represented the great Hallof the Castle of Lindenberg. A door conducting to a narrow staircasestood half open. In the foreground appeared a Groupe of figures,placed in the most grotesque attitudes; Terror was expressed upon everycountenance.

  Here was One upon his knees with his eyes cast up to heaven, andpraying most devoutly; There Another was creeping away upon all fours.Some hid their faces in their cloaks or the laps of their Companions;Some had concealed themselves beneath a Table, on which the remnants ofa feast were visible; While Others with gaping mouths and eyeswide-stretched pointed to a Figure
, supposed to have created thisdisturbance. It represented a Female of more than human stature,clothed in the habit of some religious order. Her face was veiled; Onher arm hung a chaplet of beads; Her dress was in several placesstained with the blood which trickled from a wound upon her bosom. Inone hand She held a Lamp, in the other a large Knife, and She seemedadvancing towards the iron gates of the Hall.

  'What does this mean, Agnes?' said I; 'Is this some invention of yourown?'

  She cast her eye upon the drawing.

  'Oh! no,' She replied; ''Tis the invention of much wiser heads thanmine. But can you possibly have lived at Lindenberg for three wholeMonths without hearing of the Bleeding Nun?'

  'You are the first, who ever mentioned the name to me. Pray, who maythe Lady be?'

  'That is more than I can pretend to tell you. All my knowledge of herHistory comes from an old tradition in this family, which has beenhanded down from Father to Son, and is firmly credited throughout theBaron's domains. Nay, the Baron believes it himself; and as for myAunt who has a natural turn for the marvellous, She would sooner doubtthe veracity of the Bible, than of the Bleeding Nun. Shall I tell youthis History?'

  I answered that She would oblige me much by relating it: She resumedher drawing, and then proceeded as follows in a tone of burlesquedgravity.

  'It is surprising that in all the Chronicles of past times, thisremarkable Personage is never once mentioned. Fain would I recount toyou her life; But unluckily till after her death She was never known tohave existed. Then first did She think it necessary to make some noisein the world, and with that intention She made bold to seize upon theCastle of Lindenberg. Having a good taste, She took up her abode in thebest room of the House: and once established there, She began to amuseherself by knocking about the tables and chairs in the middle of thenight. Perhaps She was a bad Sleeper, but this I have never been ableto ascertain. According to the tradition, this entertainment commencedabout a Century ago. It was accompanied with shrieking, howling,groaning, swearing, and many other agreeable noises of the same kind.But though one particular room was more especially honoured with hervisits, She did not entirely confine herself to it. She occasionallyventured into the old Galleries, paced up and down the spacious Halls,or sometimes stopping at the doors of the Chambers, She wept and wailedthere to the universal terror of the Inhabitants. In these nocturnalexcursions She was seen by different People, who all describe herappearance as you behold it here, traced by the hand of her unworthyHistorian.'

  The singularity of this account insensibly engaged my attention.

  'Did She never speak to those who met her?' said I.

  'Not She. The specimens indeed, which She gave nightly of her talentsfor conversation, were by no means inviting. Sometimes the Castle rungwith oaths and execrations: A Moment after She repeated herPaternoster: Now She howled out the most horrible blasphemies, and thenchaunted De Profundis, as orderly as if still in the Choir. In shortShe seemed a mighty capricious Being: But whether She prayed orcursed, whether She was impious or devout, She always contrived toterrify her Auditors out of their senses. The Castle became scarcelyhabitable; and its Lord was so frightened by these midnight Revels,that one fine morning He was found dead in his bed. This successseemed to please the Nun mightily, for now She made more noise thanever. But the next Baron proved too cunning for her. He made hisappearance with a celebrated Exorciser in his hand, who feared not toshut himself up for a night in the haunted Chamber. There it seemsthat He had an hard battle with the Ghost, before She would promise tobe quiet. She was obstinate, but He was more so, and at length Sheconsented to let the Inhabitants of the Castle take a good night'srest. For some time after no news was heard of her. But at the end offive years the Exorciser died, and then the Nun ventured to peep abroadagain. However, She was now grown much more tractable andwell-behaved. She walked about in silence, and never made herappearance above once in five years. This custom, if you will believethe Baron, She still continues. He is fully persuaded, that on thefifth of May of every fifth year, as soon as the Clock strikes One, theDoor of the haunted Chamber opens. (Observe, that this room has beenshut up for near a Century.) Then out walks the Ghostly Nun with herLamp and dagger: She descends the staircase of the Eastern Tower; andcrosses the great Hall! On that night the Porter always leaves theGates of the Castle open, out of respect to the Apparition: Not thatthis is thought by any means necessary, since She could easily whipthrough the Keyhole if She chose it; But merely out of politeness, andto prevent her from making her exit in a way so derogatory to thedignity of her Ghost-ship.'

  'And whither does She go on quitting the Castle?'

  'To Heaven, I hope; But if She does, the place certainly is not to hertaste, for She always returns after an hour's absence. The Lady thenretires to her chamber, and is quiet for another five years.'

  'And you believe this, Agnes?'

  'How can you ask such a question? No, no, Alphonso! I have too muchreason to lament superstition's influence to be its Victim myself.However I must not avow my incredulity to the Baroness: She entertainsnot a doubt of the truth of this History. As to Dame Cunegonda, myGoverness, She protests that fifteen years ago She saw the Spectre withher own eyes. She related to me one evening how She and several otherDomestics had been terrified while at Supper by the appearance of theBleeding Nun, as the Ghost is called in the Castle: 'Tis from heraccount that I drew this sketch, and you may be certain that Cunegondawas not omitted. There She is! I shall never forget what a passionShe was in, and how ugly She looked while She scolded me for havingmade her picture so like herself!'

  Here She pointed to a burlesque figure of an old Woman in an attitudeof terror.

  In spite of the melancholy which oppressed me, I could not help smilingat the playful imagination of Agnes: She had perfectly preserved DameCunegonda's resemblance, but had so much exaggerated every fault, andrendered every feature so irresistibly laughable, that I could easilyconceive the Duenna's anger.

  'The figure is admirable, my dear Agnes! I knew not that you possessedsuch talents for the ridiculous.'

  'Stay a moment,' She replied; 'I will show you a figure still moreridiculous than Dame Cunegonda's. If it pleases you, you may disposeof it as seems best to yourself.'

  She rose, and went to a Cabinet at some little distance. Unlocking adrawer, She took out a small case, which She opened, and presented tome.

  'Do you know the resemblance?' said She smiling.

  It was her own.

  Transported at the gift, I pressed the portrait to my lips withpassion: I threw myself at her feet, and declared my gratitude in thewarmest and most affectionate terms. She listened to me withcomplaisance, and assured me that She shared my sentiments: Whensuddenly She uttered a loud shriek, disengaged the hand which I held,and flew from the room by a door which opened to the Garden. Amazed atthis abrupt departure, I rose hastily from my knees. I beheld withconfusion the Baroness standing near me glowing with jealousy, andalmost choaked with rage. On recovering from her swoon, She hadtortured her imagination to discover her concealed Rival. No oneappeared to deserve her suspicions more than Agnes. She immediatelyhastened to find her Niece, tax her with encouraging my addresses, andassure herself whether her conjectures were well-grounded.Unfortunately She had already seen enough to need no otherconfirmation. She arrived at the door of the room at the precisemoment, when Agnes gave me her Portrait. She heard me profess aneverlasting attachment to her Rival, and saw me kneeling at her feet.She advanced to separate us; We were too much occupied by each other toperceive her approach, and were not aware of it, till Agnes beheld herstanding by my side.

  Rage on the part of Donna Rodolpha, embarrassment on mine, for sometime kept us both silent. The Lady recovered herself first.

  'My suspicions then were just,' said She; 'The Coquetry of my Niece hastriumphed, and 'tis to her that I am sacrificed. In one respecthowever I am fortunate: I shall not be the only one who laments adisappointed passion.
You too shall know, what it is to love withouthope! I daily expect orders for restoring Agnes to her Parents.Immediately upon her arrival in Spain, She will take the veil, andplace an insuperable barrier to your union. You may spare yoursupplications.' She continued, perceiving me on the point of speaking;'My resolution is fixed and immoveable. Your Mistress shall remain aclose Prisoner in her chamber till She exchanges this Castle for theCloister. Solitude will perhaps recall her to a sense of her duty: Butto prevent your opposing that wished event, I must inform you, DonAlphonso, that your presence here is no longer agreeable either to theBaron or Myself. It was not to talk nonsense to my Niece that yourRelations sent you to Germany: Your business was to travel, and Ishould be sorry to impede any longer so excellent a design. Farewell,Segnor; Remember, that tomorrow morning we meet for the last time.'

  Having said this, She darted upon me a look of pride, contempt, andmalice, and quitted the apartment. I also retired to mine, andconsumed the night in planning the means of rescuing Agnes from thepower of her tyrannical Aunt.

  After the positive declaration of its Mistress, it was impossible forme to make a longer stay at the Castle of Lindenberg. Accordingly I thenext day announced my immediate departure. The Baron declared that itgave him sincere pain; and He expressed himself in my favour so warmly,that I endeavoured to win him over to my interest. Scarcely had Imentioned the name of Agnes when He stopped me short, and said, that itwas totally out of his power to interfere in the business. I saw thatit was in vain to argue; The Baroness governed her Husband withdespotic sway, and I easily perceived that She had prejudiced himagainst the match. Agnes did not appear: I entreated permission totake leave of her, but my prayer was rejected. I was obliged to departwithout seeing her.

  At quitting him the Baron shook my hand affectionately, and assured methat as soon as his Niece was gone, I might consider his House as myown.

  'Farewell, Don Alphonso!' said the Baroness, and stretched out her handto me.

  I took it, and offered to carry it to my lips. She prevented me.

  Her Husband was at the other end of the room, and out of hearing.

  'Take care of yourself,' She continued; 'My love is become hatred, andmy wounded pride shall not be unatoned. Go where you will, myvengeance shall follow you!'

  She accompanied these words with a look sufficient to make me tremble.I answered not, but hastened to quit the Castle.

  As my Chaise drove out of the Court, I looked up to the windows of yourSister's chamber. Nobody was to be seen there: I threw myself backdespondent in my Carriage. I was attended by no other servants than aFrenchman whom I had hired at Strasbourg in Stephano's room, and mylittle Page whom I before mentioned to you. The fidelity,intelligence, and good temper of Theodore had already made him dear tome; But He now prepared to lay an obligation on me, which made me lookupon him as a Guardian Genius. Scarcely had we proceeded half a milefrom the Castle, when He rode up to the Chaise-door.

  'Take courage, Segnor!' said He in Spanish, which He had already learntto speak with fluency and correctness. 'While you were with the Baron,I watched the moment when Dame Cunegonda was below stairs, and mountedinto the chamber over that of Donna Agnes. I sang as loud as I could alittle German air well-known to her, hoping that She would recollect myvoice. I was not disappointed, for I soon heard her window open. Ihastened to let down a string with which I had provided myself: Uponhearing the casement closed again, I drew up the string, and fastenedto it I found this scrap of paper.'

  He then presented me with a small note addressed to me. I opened itwith impatience: It contained the following words written in pencil:

  Conceal yourself for the next fortnight in some neighbouring Village.My Aunt will believe you to have quitted Lindenberg, and I shall berestored to liberty. I will be in the West Pavilion at twelve on thenight of the thirtieth. Fail not to be there, and we shall have anopportunity of concerting our future plans. Adieu.Agnes.

  At perusing these lines my transports exceeded all bounds; Neither didI set any to the expressions of gratitude which I heaped upon Theodore.In fact his address and attention merited my warmest praise. You willreadily believe that I had not entrusted him with my passion for Agnes;But the arch Youth had too much discernment not to discover my secret,and too much discretion not to conceal his knowledge of it. Heobserved in silence what was going on, nor strove to make himself anAgent in the business till my interests required his interference. Iequally admired his judgment, his penetration, his address, and hisfidelity. This was not the first occasion in which I had found him ofinfinite use, and I was every day more convinced of his quickness andcapacity. During my short stay at Strasbourg, He had applied himselfdiligently to learning the rudiments of Spanish: He continued to studyit, and with so much success that He spoke it with the same facility ashis native language. He past the greatest part of his time in reading;He had acquired much information for his Age; and united the advantagesof a lively countenance and prepossessing figure to an excellentunderstanding and the very best of hearts. He is now fifteen; He isstill in my service, and when you see him, I am sure that He willplease you. But excuse this digression: I return to the subject whichI quitted.

  I obeyed the instructions of Agnes. I proceeded to Munich. There Ileft my Chaise under the care of Lucas, my French Servant, and thenreturned on Horseback to a small Village about four miles distant fromthe Castle of Lindenberg. Upon arriving there a story was related tothe Host at whose Inn I descended, which prevented his wondering at mymaking so long a stay in his House. The old Man fortunately wascredulous and incurious: He believed all I said, and sought to know nomore than what I thought proper to tell him. Nobody was with me butTheodore; Both were disguised, and as we kept ourselves close, we werenot suspected to be other than what we seemed. In this manner thefortnight passed away. During that time I had the pleasing convictionthat Agnes was once more at liberty. She past through the Village withDame Cunegonda: She seemed in health and spirits, and talked to herCompanion without any appearance of constraint.

  'Who are those Ladies?' said I to my Host, as the Carriage past.

  'Baron Lindenberg's Niece with her Governess,' He replied; 'She goesregularly every Friday to the Convent of St. Catharine, in which Shewas brought up, and which is situated about a mile from hence.'

  You may be certain that I waited with impatience for the ensuingFriday. I again beheld my lovely Mistress. She cast her eyes upon me,as She passed the Inn-door. A blush which overspread her cheek told methat in spite of my disguise I had been recognised. I bowedprofoundly. She returned the compliment by a slight inclination of thehead as if made to one inferior, and looked another way till theCarriage was out of sight.

  The long-expected, long-wished for night arrived. It was calm, and theMoon was at the full. As soon as the Clock struck eleven I hastened tomy appointment, determined not to be too late. Theodore had provided aLadder; I ascended the Garden wall without difficulty; The Pagefollowed me, and drew the Ladder after us. I posted myself in the WestPavilion, and waited impatiently for the approach of Agnes. Everybreeze that whispered, every leaf that fell, I believed to be herfootstep, and hastened to meet her. Thus was I obliged to pass a fullhour, every minute of which appeared to me an age. The Castle Bell atlength tolled twelve, and scarcely could I believe the night to be nofurther advanced. Another quarter of an hour elapsed, and I heard thelight foot of my Mistress approaching the Pavilion with precaution. Iflew to receive her, and conducted her to a seat. I threw myself ather feet, and was expressing my joy at seeing her, when She thusinterrupted me.

  'We have no time to lose, Alphonso: The moments are precious, forthough no more a Prisoner, Cunegonda watches my every step. An expressis arrived from my Father; I must depart immediately for Madrid, and'tis with difficulty that I have obtained a week's delay. Thesuperstition of my Parents, supported by the representations of mycruel Aunt, leaves me no hope of softening them to compassion. In thisdilemma I have resolved t
o commit myself to your honour: God grantthat you may never give me cause to repent my resolution! Flight is myonly resource from the horrors of a Convent, and my imprudence must beexcused by the urgency of the danger. Now listen to the plan by whichI hope to effect my escape.

  'We are now at the thirtieth of April. On the fifth day from this theVisionary Nun is expected to appear. In my last visit to the Convent Iprovided myself with a dress proper for the character: A Friend, whomI have left there and to whom I made no scruple to confide my secret,readily consented to supply me with a religious habit. Provide acarriage, and be with it at a little distance from the great Gate ofthe Castle. As soon as the Clock strikes 'one,' I shall quit mychamber, drest in the same apparel as the Ghost is supposed to wear.Whoever meets me will be too much terrified to oppose my escape. Ishall easily reach the door, and throw myself under your protection.Thus far success is certain: But Oh! Alphonso, should you deceive me!Should you despise my imprudence and reward it with ingratitude, theWorld will not hold a Being more wretched than myself! I feel all thedangers to which I shall be exposed. I feel that I am giving you aright to treat me with levity: But I rely upon your love, upon yourhonour! The step which I am on the point of taking, will incense myRelations against me: Should you desert me, should you betray thetrust reposed in you, I shall have no friend to punish your insult, orsupport my cause. On yourself alone rests all my hope, and if your ownheart does not plead in my behalf, I am undone for ever!'

  The tone in which She pronounced these words was so touching, that inspite of my joy at receiving her promise to follow me, I could not helpbeing affected. I also repined in secret at not having taken theprecaution to provide a Carriage at the Village, in which case I mighthave carried off Agnes that very night. Such an attempt was nowimpracticable: Neither Carriage or Horses were to be procured nearerthan Munich, which was distant from Lindenberg two good days journey.I was therefore obliged to chime in with her plan, which in truthseemed well arranged: Her disguise would secure her from being stoppedin quitting the Castle, and would enable her to step into the Carriageat the very Gate without difficulty or losing time.

  Agnes reclined her head mournfully upon my shoulder, and by the lightof the Moon I saw tears flowing down her cheek. I strove to dissipateher melancholy, and encouraged her to look forward to the prospect ofhappiness. I protested in the most solemn terms that her virtue andinnocence would be safe in my keeping, and that till the church hadmade her my lawful Wife, her honour should be held by me as sacred as aSister's. I told her that my first care should be to find you out,Lorenzo, and reconcile you to our union; and I was continuing to speakin the same strain, when a noise without alarmed me. Suddenly the doorof the Pavilion was thrown open, and Cunegonda stood before us. Shehad heard Agnes steal out of her chamber, followed her into the Garden,and perceived her entering the Pavilion. Favoured by the Trees whichshaded it, and unperceived by Theodore who waited at a little distance,She had approached in silence, and overheard our whole conversation.

  'Admirable!' cried Cunegonda in a voice shrill with passion, whileAgnes uttered a loud shriek; 'By St. Barbara, young Lady, you have anexcellent invention! You must personate the Bleeding Nun, truly? Whatimpiety! What incredulity! Marry, I have a good mind to let youpursue your plan: When the real Ghost met you, I warrant, you would bein a pretty condition! Don Alphonso, you ought to be ashamed ofyourself for seducing a young ignorant Creature to leave her family andFriends: However, for this time at least I shall mar your wickeddesigns. The noble Lady shall be informed of the whole affair, andAgnes must defer playing the Spectre till a better opportunity.Farewell, Segnor-- Donna Agnes, let me have the honour of conductingyour Ghost-ship back to your apartment.'

  She approached the Sopha on which her trembling Pupil was seated, tookher by the hand, and prepared to lead her from the Pavilion.

  I detained her, and strove by entreaties, soothing, promises, andflattery to win her to my party: But finding all that I could say ofno avail, I abandoned the vain attempt.

  'Your obstinacy must be its own punishment,' said I; 'But one resourceremains to save Agnes and myself, and I shall not hesitate to employit.'

  Terrified at this menace, She again endeavoured to quit the Pavilion;But I seized her by the wrist, and detained her forcibly. At the samemoment Theodore, who had followed her into the room, closed the door,and prevented her escape. I took the veil of Agnes: I threw it roundthe Duenna's head, who uttered such piercing shrieks that in spite ofour distance from the Castle, I dreaded their being heard. At length Isucceeded in gagging her so compleatly that She could not produce asingle sound. Theodore and myself with some difficulty next contrivedto bind her hands and feet with our handkerchiefs; And I advised Agnesto regain her chamber with all diligence. I promised that no harmshould happen to Cunegonda, bad her remember that on the fifth of May Ishould be in waiting at the Great Gate of the Castle, and took of heran affectionate farewell. Trembling and uneasy She had scarce powerenough to signify her consent to my plans, and fled back to herapartment in disorder and confusion.

  In the meanwhile Theodore assisted me in carrying off my antiquatedPrize. She was hoisted over the wall, placed before me upon my Horselike a Portmanteau, and I galloped away with her from the Castle ofLindenberg. The unlucky Duenna never had made a more disagreeablejourney in her life: She was jolted and shaken till She was becomelittle more than an animated Mummy; not to mention her fright when wewaded through a small River through which it was necessary to pass inorder to regain the Village. Before we reached the Inn, I had alreadydetermined how to dispose of the troublesome Cunegonda. We entered theStreet in which the Inn stood, and while the page knocked, I waited ata little distance. The Landlord opened the door with a Lamp in hishand.

  'Give me the light!' said Theodore; 'My Master is coming.'

  He snatched the Lamp hastily, and purposely let it fall upon theground: The Landlord returned to the Kitchen to re-light the Lamp,leaving the door open. I profited by the obscurity, sprang from myHorse with Cunegonda in my arms, darted up stairs, reached my chamberunperceived, and unlocking the door of a spacious Closet, stowed herwithin it, and then turned the Key. The Landlord and Theodore soonafter appeared with lights: The Former expressed himself a littlesurprised at my returning so late, but asked no impertinent questions.He soon quitted the room, and left me to exult in the success of myundertaking.

  I immediately paid a visit to my Prisoner. I strove to persuade hersubmitting with patience to her temporary confinement. My attempt wasunsuccessful. Unable to speak or move, She expressed her fury by herlooks, and except at meals I never dared to unbind her, or release herfrom the Gag. At such times I stood over her with a drawn sword, andprotested, that if She uttered a single cry, I would plunge it in herbosom. As soon as She had done eating, the Gag was replaced. I wasconscious that this proceeding was cruel, and could only be justifiedby the urgency of circumstances: As to Theodore, He had no scruplesupon the subject. Cunegonda's captivity entertained him beyondmeasure. During his abode in the Castle, a continual warfare had beencarried on between him and the Duenna; and now that He found his Enemyso absolutely in his power, He triumphed without mercy. He seemed tothink of nothing but how to find out new means of plaguing her:Sometimes He affected to pity her misfortune, then laughed at, abused,and mimicked her; He played her a thousand tricks, each more provokingthan the other, and amused himself by telling her that her elopementmust have occasioned much surprise at the Baron's. This was in factthe case. No one except Agnes could imagine what was become of DameCunegonda: Every hole and corner was searched for her; The Ponds weredragged, and the Woods underwent a thorough examination. Still no DameCunegonda made her appearance. Agnes kept the secret, and I kept theDuenna: The Baroness, therefore, remained in total ignorancerespecting the old Woman's fate, but suspected her to have perished bysuicide. Thus past away five days, during which I had prepared everything necessary for my enterprise. On quitting Agnes, I had mad
e it myfirst business to dispatch a Peasant with a letter to Lucas at Munich,ordering him to take care that a Coach and four should arrive about teno'clock on the fifth of May at the Village of Rosenwald. He obeyed myinstructions punctually: The Equipage arrived at the time appointed.As the period of her Lady's elopement drew nearer, Cunegonda's rageincreased. I verily believe that spight and passion would have killedher, had I not luckily discovered her prepossession in favour of CherryBrandy. With this favourite liquor She was plentifully supplied, andTheodore always remaining to guard her, the Gag was occasionallyremoved. The liquor seemed to have a wonderful effect in softening theacrimony of her nature; and her confinement not admitting of any otheramusement, She got drunk regularly once a day just by way of passingthe time.

  The fifth of May arrived, a period by me never to be forgotten! Beforethe Clock struck twelve, I betook myself to the scene of action.Theodore followed me on horseback. I concealed the Carriage in aspacious Cavern of the Hill, on whose brow the Castle was situated:This Cavern was of considerable depth, and among the peasants was knownby the name of Lindenberg Hole. The night was calm and beautiful: TheMoonbeams fell upon the antient Towers of the Castle, and shed upontheir summits a silver light. All was still around me: Nothing was tobe heard except the night breeze sighing among the leaves, the distantbarking of Village Dogs, or the Owl who had established herself in anook of the deserted Eastern Turret. I heard her melancholy shriek,and looked upwards. She sat upon the ride of a window, which Irecognized to be that of the haunted Room. This brought to myremembrance the story of the Bleeding Nun, and I sighed while Ireflected on the influence of superstition and weakness of humanreason. Suddenly I heard a faint chorus steal upon the silence of thenight.

  'What can occasion that noise, Theodore?'

  'A Stranger of distinction,' replied He, 'passed through the Villagetoday in his way to the Castle: He is reported to be the Father ofDonna Agnes. Doubtless, the Baron has given an entertainment tocelebrate his arrival.'

  The Castle Bell announced the hour of midnight: This was the usualsignal for the family to retire to Bed. Soon after I perceived lightsin the Castle moving backwards and forwards in different directions. Iconjectured the company to be separating. I could hear the heavy doorsgrate as they opened with difficulty, and as they closed again therotten Casements rattled in their frames. The chamber of Agnes was onthe other side of the Castle. I trembled lest She should have failedin obtaining the Key of the haunted Room: Through this it wasnecessary for her to pass in order to reach the narrow Staircase bywhich the Ghost was supposed to descend into the great Hall. Agitatedby this apprehension, I kept my eyes constantly fixed upon the window,where I hoped to perceive the friendly glare of a Lamp borne by Agnes.I now heard the massy Gates unbarred. By the candle in his hand Idistinguished old Conrad, the Porter. He set the Portal doors wideopen, and retired. The lights in the Castle gradually disappeared, andat length the whole Building was wrapt in darkness.

  While I sat upon a broken ridge of the Hill, the stillness of the sceneinspired me with melancholy ideas not altogether unpleasing. TheCastle which stood full in my sight, formed an object equally awful andpicturesque. Its ponderous Walls tinged by the moon with solemnbrightness, its old and partly-ruined Towers lifting themselves intothe clouds and seeming to frown on the plains around them, its loftybattlements oergrown with ivy, and folding Gates expanding in honour ofthe Visionary Inhabitant, made me sensible of a sad and reverentialhorror. Yet did not these sensations occupy me so fully, as to preventme from witnessing with impatience the slow progress of time. Iapproached the Castle, and ventured to walk round it. A few rays oflight still glimmered in the chamber of Agnes. I observed them withjoy. I was still gazing upon them, when I perceived a figure draw nearthe window, and the Curtain was carefully closed to conceal the Lampwhich burned there. Convinced by this observation that Agnes had notabandoned our plan, I returned with a light heart to my former station.

  The half-hour struck! The three-quarters struck! My bosom beat highwith hope and expectation. At length the wished-for sound was heard.The Bell tolled 'One,' and the Mansion echoed with the noise loud andsolemn. I looked up to the Casement of the haunted Chamber. Scarcelyhad five minutes elapsed, when the expected light appeared. I was nowclose to the Tower. The window was not so far from the Ground but thatI fancied I perceived a female figure with a Lamp in her hand movingslowly along the Apartment. The light soon faded away, and all wasagain dark and gloomy.

  Occasional gleams of brightness darted from the Staircase windows asthe lovely Ghost past by them. I traced the light through the Hall:It reached the Portal, and at length I beheld Agnes pass through thefolding gates. She was habited exactly as She had described theSpectre. A chaplet of Beads hung upon her arm; her head was envelopedin a long white veil; Her Nun's dress was stained with blood, and Shehad taken care to provide herself with a Lamp and dagger. She advancedtowards the spot where I stood. I flew to meet her, and clasped her inmy arms.

  'Agnes!' said I while I pressed her to my bosom, Agnes! Agnes! Thou art mine! Agnes! Agnes! I am thine! In my veins while blood shall roll, Thou art mine! I am thine! Thine my body! Thine my soul!

  Terrified and breathless She was unable to speak: She dropt her Lampand dagger, and sank upon my bosom in silence. I raised her in myarms, and conveyed her to the Carriage. Theodore remained behind inorder to release Dame Cunegonda. I also charged him with a letter tothe Baroness explaining the whole affair, and entreating her goodoffices in reconciling Don Gaston to my union with his Daughter. Idiscovered to her my real name: I proved to her that my birth andexpectations justified my pretending to her Niece, and assured her,though it was out of my power to return her love, that I would striveunceasingly to obtain her esteem and friendship.

  I stepped into the Carriage, where Agnes was already seated. Theodoreclosed the door, and the Postillions drove away. At first I wasdelighted with the rapidity of our progress; But as soon as we were inno danger of pursuit, I called to the Drivers, and bad them moderatetheir pace. They strove in vain to obey me. The Horses refused toanswer the rein, and continued to rush on with astonishing swiftness.The Postillions redoubled their efforts to stop them, but by kickingand plunging the Beasts soon released themselves from this restraint.Uttering a loud shriek, the Drivers were hurled upon the ground.Immediately thick clouds obscured the sky: The winds howled around us,the lightning flashed, and the Thunder roared tremendously. Never didI behold so frightful a Tempest! Terrified by the jar of contendingelements, the Horses seemed every moment to increase their speed.Nothing could interrupt their career; They dragged the Carriage throughHedges and Ditches, dashed down the most dangerous precipices, andseemed to vye in swiftness with the rapidity of the winds.

  All this while my Companion lay motionless in my arms. Truly alarmedby the magnitude of the danger, I was in vain attempting to recall herto her senses; when a loud crash announced, that a stop was put to ourprogress in the most disagreeable manner. The Carriage was shattered topieces. In falling I struck my temple against a flint. The pain ofthe wound, the violence of the shock, and apprehension for the safetyof Agnes combined to overpower me so compleatly, that my senses forsookme, and I lay without animation on the ground.

  I probably remained for some time in this situation, since when Iopened my eyes, it was broad daylight. Several Peasants were standinground me, and seemed disputing whether my recovery was possible. Ispoke German tolerably well. As soon as I could utter an articulatesound, I enquired after Agnes. What was my surprise and distress, whenassured by the Peasants, that nobody had been seen answering thedescription which I gave of her! They told me that in going to theirdaily labour they had been alarmed by observing the fragments of myCarriage, and by hearing the groans of an Horse, the only one of thefour which remained alive: The other Three lay dead by my side. Nobodywas near me when they came up, and much time had been lost, before theysucceeded in recovering me. Uneasy beyond expressi
on respecting thefate of my Companion, I besought the Peasants to disperse themselves insearch of her: I described her dress, and promised immense rewards towhoever brought me any intelligence. As for myself, it was impossiblefor me to join in the pursuit: I had broken two of my ribs in the fall:My arm being dislocated hung useless by my side; and my left leg wasshattered so terribly, that I never expected to recover its use.

  The Peasants complied with my request: All left me except Four, whomade a litter of boughs and prepared to convey me to the neighbouringTown. I enquired its name. It proved to be Ratisbon, and I couldscarcely persuade myself that I had travelled to such a distance in asingle night. I told the Countrymen that at one o'clock that morning Ihad past through the Village of Rosenwald. They shook their headswistfully, and made signs to each other that I must certainly bedelirious. I was conveyed to a decent Inn and immediately put to bed.A Physician was sent for, who set my arm with success. He thenexamined my other hurts, and told me that I need be under noapprehension of the consequences of any of them; But ordered me to keepmyself quiet, and be prepared for a tedious and painful cure. Ianswered him that if He hoped to keep me quiet, He must first endeavourto procure me some news of a Lady who had quitted Rosenwald in mycompany the night before, and had been with me at the moment when theCoach broke down. He smiled, and only replied by advising me to makemyself easy, for that all proper care should be taken of me. As Hequitted me, the Hostess met him at the door of the room.

  'The Gentleman is not quite in his right senses;' I heard him say toher in a low voice; ''Tis the natural consequence of his fall, but thatwill soon be over.'

  One after another the Peasants returned to the Inn, and informed methat no traces had been discovered of my unfortunate Mistress.

  Uneasiness now became despair. I entreated them to renew their searchin the most urgent terms, doubling the promises which I had alreadymade them. My wild and frantic manner confirmed the bye-standers inthe idea of my being delirious. No signs of the Lady having appeared,they believed her to be a creature fabricated by my over-heated brain,and paid no attention to my entreaties. However, the Hostess assuredme that a fresh enquiry should be made, but I found afterwards that herpromise was only given to quiet me. No further steps were taken in thebusiness.

  Though my Baggage was left at Munich under the care of my FrenchServant, having prepared myself for a long journey, my purse was amplyfurnished: Besides my equipage proved me to be of distinction, and inconsequence all possible attention was paid me at the Inn. The daypassed away: Still no news arrived of Agnes. The anxiety of fear nowgave place to despondency. I ceased to rave about her and was plungedin the depth of melancholy reflections. Perceiving me to be silent andtranquil, my Attendants believed my delirium to have abated, and thatmy malady had taken a favourable turn. According to the Physician'sorder I swallowed a composing medicine; and as soon as the night shutin, my attendants withdrew and left me to repose.

  That repose I wooed in vain. The agitation of my bosom chased awaysleep. Restless in my mind, in spite of the fatigue of my body, Icontinued to toss about from side to side, till the Clock in aneighbouring Steeple struck 'One.' As I listened to the mournfulhollow sound, and heard it die away in the wind, I felt a suddenchillness spread itself over my body. I shuddered without knowingwherefore; Cold dews poured down my forehead, and my hair stoodbristling with alarm. Suddenly I heard slow and heavy steps ascendingthe staircase. By an involuntary movement I started up in my bed, anddrew back the curtain. A single rush-light which glimmered upon thehearth shed a faint gleam through the apartment, which was hung withtapestry. The door was thrown open with violence. A figure entered,and drew near my Bed with solemn measured steps. With tremblingapprehension I examined this midnight Visitor. God Almighty! It wasthe Bleeding Nun! It was my lost Companion! Her face was stillveiled, but She no longer held her Lamp and dagger. She lifted up herveil slowly. What a sight presented itself to my startled eyes! Ibeheld before me an animated Corse. Her countenance was long andhaggard; Her cheeks and lips were bloodless; The paleness of death wasspread over her features, and her eyeballs fixed stedfastly upon mewere lustreless and hollow.

  I gazed upon the Spectre with horror too great to be described. Myblood was frozen in my veins. I would have called for aid, but thesound expired ere it could pass my lips. My nerves were bound up inimpotence, and I remained in the same attitude inanimate as a Statue.

  The visionary Nun looked upon me for some minutes in silence: There wassomething petrifying in her regard. At length in a low sepulchral voiceShe pronounced the following words.

  "Raymond! Raymond! Thou art mine! Raymond! Raymond! I am thine! In thy veins while blood shall roll, I am thine! Thou art mine! Mine thy body! Mine thy soul!----"

  Breathless with fear, I listened while She repeated my own expressions.The Apparition seated herself opposite to me at the foot of the Bed,and was silent. Her eyes were fixed earnestly upon mine: They seemedendowed with the property of the Rattlesnake's, for I strove in vain tolook off her. My eyes were fascinated, and I had not the power ofwithdrawing them from the Spectre's.

  In this attitude She remained for a whole long hour without speaking ormoving; nor was I able to do either. At length the Clock struck two.The Apparition rose from her seat, and approached the side of the bed.She grasped with her icy fingers my hand which hung lifeless upon theCoverture, and pressing her cold lips to mine, again repeated,

  "Raymond! Raymond! Thou art mine! Raymond! Raymond! I am thine! &c.----"

  She then dropped my hand, quitted the chamber with slow steps, and theDoor closed after her. Till that moment the faculties of my body hadbeen all suspended; Those of my mind had alone been waking. The charmnow ceased to operate: The blood which had been frozen in my veinsrushed back to my heart with violence: I uttered a deep groan, and sanklifeless upon my pillow.

  The adjoining room was only separated from mine by a thin partition:It was occupied by the Host and his Wife: The Former was rouzed by mygroan, and immediately hastened to my chamber: The Hostess soonfollowed him. With some difficulty they succeeded in restoring me tomy senses, and immediately sent for the Physician, who arrived in alldiligence. He declared my fever to be very much increased, and that ifI continued to suffer such violent agitation, He would not take uponhim to ensure my life. Some medicines which He gave me in some degreetranquillized my spirits. I fell into a sort of slumber towardsdaybreak; But fearful dreams prevented me from deriving any benefitfrom my repose. Agnes and the Bleeding Nun presented themselves byturns to my fancy, and combined to harass and torment me. I awokefatigued and unrefreshed. My fever seemed rather augmented thandiminished; The agitation of my mind impeded my fractured bones fromknitting: I had frequent fainting fits, and during the whole day thePhysician judged it expedient not to quit me for two hours together.

  The singularity of my adventure made me determine to conceal it fromevery one, since I could not expect that a circumstance so strangeshould gain credit. I was very uneasy about Agnes. I knew not whatShe would think at not finding me at the rendezvous, and dreaded herentertaining suspicions of my fidelity. However, I depended uponTheodore's discretion, and trusted that my letter to the Baroness wouldconvince her of the rectitude of my intentions. These considerationssomewhat lightened my inquietude upon her account: But the impressionleft upon my mind by my nocturnal Visitor grew stronger with everysucceeding moment. The night drew near; I dreaded its arrival. Yet Istrove to persuade myself that the Ghost would appear no more, and atall events I desired that a Servant might sit up in my chamber.

  The fatigue of my body from not having slept on the former night,co-operating with the strong opiates administered to me in profusion,at length procured me that repose of which I was so much in need. Isank into a profound and tranquil slumber, and had already slept forsome hours, when the neighbouring Clock rouzed me by striking 'One'.Its sound brought with it to my memory
all the horrors of the nightbefore. The same cold shivering seized me. I started up in my bed,and perceived the Servant fast asleep in an armed-Chair near me. Icalled him by his name: He made no answer. I shook him forcibly bythe arm, and strove in vain to wake him. He was perfectly insensibleto my efforts. I now heard the heavy steps ascending the staircase;The Door was thrown open, and again the Bleeding Nun stood before me.Once more my limbs were chained in second infancy. Once more I heardthose fatal words repeated,

  "Raymond! Raymond! Thou art mine! Raymond! Raymond! I am thine! &c.----"

  The scene which had shocked me so sensibly on the former night, wasagain presented. The Spectre again pressed her lips to mine, againtouched me with her rotting fingers, and as on her first appearance,quitted the chamber as soon as the Clock told 'Two.'

  Even night was this repeated. Far from growing accustomed to theGhost, every succeeding visit inspired me with greater horror. Her ideapursued me continually, and I became the prey of habitual melancholy.The constant agitation of my mind naturally retarded there-establishment of my health. Several months elapsed before I wasable to quit my bed; and when at length I was moved to a Sopha, I wasso faint, spiritless, and emaciated, that I could not cross the roomwithout assistance. The looks of my Attendants sufficiently denotedthe little hope, which they entertained of my recovery. The profoundsadness, which oppressed me without remission made the Physicianconsider me to be an Hypochondriac. The cause of my distress Icarefully concealed in my own bosom, for I knew that no one could giveme relief: The Ghost was not even visible to any eye but mine. I hadfrequently caused Attendants to sit up in my room: But the moment thatthe Clock struck 'One,' irresistible slumber seized them, nor left themtill the departure of the Ghost.

  You may be surprized that during this time I made no enquiries afteryour Sister. Theodore, who with difficulty had discovered my abode,had quieted my apprehensions for her safety: At the same time Heconvinced me that all attempts to release her from captivity must befruitless till I should be in a condition to return to Spain. Theparticulars of her adventure which I shall now relate to you, werepartly communicated to me by Theodore, and partly by Agnes herself.

  On the fatal night when her elopement was to have taken place, accidenthad not permitted her to quit her chamber at the appointed time. Atlength She ventured into the haunted room, descended the staircaseleading into the Hall, found the Gates open as She expected, and leftthe Castle unobserved. What was her surprize at not finding me readyto receive her! She examined the Cavern, ranged through every Alley ofthe neighbouring wood, and passed two full hours in this fruitlessenquiry. She could discover no traces either of me or of the Carriage.Alarmed and disappointed, her only resource was to return to the Castlebefore the Baroness missed her: But here She found herself in a freshembarrassment. The Bell had already tolled 'Two:' The Ghostly hour waspast, and the careful Porter had locked the folding gates. After muchirresolution She ventured to knock softly. Luckily for her, Conrad wasstill awake: He heard the noise and rose, murmuring at being called upa second time. No sooner had He opened one of the Doors, and beheldthe supposed Apparition waiting there for admittance, than He uttered aloud cry, and sank upon his knees. Agnes profited by his terror. Sheglided by him, flew to her own apartment, and having thrown off herSpectre's trappings, retired to bed endeavouring in vain to account formy disappearing.

  In the mean while Theodore having seen my Carriage drive off with thefalse Agnes, returned joyfully to the Village. The next morning Hereleased Cunegonda from her confinement, and accompanied her to theCastle. There He found the Baron, his Lady, and Don Gaston, disputingtogether upon the Porter's relation. All of them agreed in believingthe existence of Spectres: But the Latter contended, that for a Ghostto knock for admittance was a proceeding till then unwitnessed, andtotally incompatible with the immaterial nature of a Spirit. They werestill discussing this subject when the Page appeared with Cunegonda andcleared up the mystery. On hearing his deposition, it was agreedunanimously that the Agnes whom Theodore had seen step into my Carriagemust have been the Bleeding Nun, and that the Ghost who had terrifiedConrad was no other than Don Gaston's Daughter.

  The first surprize which this discovery occasioned being over, theBaroness resolved to make it of use in persuading her Niece to take theveil. Fearing lest so advantageous an establishment for his Daughtershould induce Don Gaston to renounce his resolution, She suppressed myletter, and continued to represent me as a needy unknown Adventurer. Achildish vanity had led me to conceal my real name even from myMistress; I wished to be loved for myself, not for being the Son andHeir of the Marquis de las Cisternas. The consequence was that my rankwas known to no one in the Castle except the Baroness, and She tookgood care to confine the knowledge to her own breast. Don Gastonhaving approved his Sister's design, Agnes was summoned to appearbefore them. She was taxed with having meditated an elopement, obligedto make a full confession, and was amazed at the gentleness with whichit was received: But what was her affliction, when informed that thefailure of her project must be attributed to me! Cunegonda, tutored bythe Baroness, told her that when I released her, I had desired her toinform her Lady that our connexion was at an end, that the whole affairwas occasioned by a false report, and that it by no means suited mycircumstances to marry a Woman without fortune or expectations.

  To this account my sudden disappearing gave but too great an air ofprobability. Theodore, who could have contradicted the story, by DonnaRodolpha's order was kept out of her sight: What proved a stillgreater confirmation of my being an Impostor, was the arrival of aletter from yourself declaring that you had no sort of acquaintancewith Alphonso d'Alvarada. These seeming proofs of my perfidy, aided bythe artful insinuations of her Aunt, by Cunegonda's flattery, and herFather's threats and anger, entirely conquered your Sister's repugnanceto a Convent. Incensed at my behaviour, and disgusted with the world ingeneral, She consented to receive the veil. She past another Month atthe Castle of Lindenberg, during which my non-appearance confirmed herin her resolution, and then accompanied Don Gaston into Spain.Theodore was now set at liberty. He hastened to Munich, where I hadpromised to let him hear from me; But finding from Lucas that I hadnever arrived there, He pursued his search with indefatigableperseverance, and at length succeeded in rejoining me at Ratisbon.

  So much was I altered, that scarcely could He recollect my features:The distress visible upon his sufficiently testified how lively was theinterest which He felt for me. The society of this amiable Boy, whom Ihad always considered rather as a Companion than a Servant, was now myonly comfort. His conversation was gay yet sensible, and hisobservations shrewd and entertaining: He had picked up much moreknowledge than is usual at his Age: But what rendered him mostagreeable to me, was his having a delightful voice, and some skill inMusic. He had also acquired some taste in poetry, and even venturedsometimes to write verses himself. He occasionally composed littleBallads in Spanish, his compositions were but indifferent, I mustconfess; yet they were pleasing to me from their novelty, and hearinghim sing them to his guitar was the only amusement, which I was capableof receiving. Theodore perceived well enough that something preyedupon my mind; But as I concealed the cause of my grief even from him,Respect would not permit him to pry into my secrets.

  One Evening I was lying upon my Sopha, plunged in reflections very farfrom agreeable: Theodore amused himself by observing from the window aBattle between two Postillions, who were quarrelling in the Inn-yard.

  'Ha! Ha!' cried He suddenly; 'Yonder is the Great Mogul.'

  'Who?' said I.

  'Only a Man who made me a strange speech at Munich.'

  'What was the purport of it?'

  'Now you put me in mind of it, Segnor, it was a kind of message to you;but truly it was not worth delivering. I believe the Fellow to be mad,for my part. When I came to Munich in search of you, I found himliving at 'The King of the Romans,' and the Host gave me an odd accountof him. By his accent He
is supposed to be a Foreigner, but of whatCountry nobody can tell. He seemed to have no acquaintance in theTown, spoke very seldom, and never was seen to smile. He had neitherServants or Baggage; But his Purse seemed well-furnished, and He didmuch good in the Town. Some supposed him to be an Arabian Astrologer,Others to be a Travelling Mountebank, and many declared that He wasDoctor Faustus, whom the Devil had sent back to Germany. The Landlord,however told me, that He had the best reasons to believe him to be theGreat Mogul incognito.'

  'But the strange speech, Theodore.'

  'True, I had almost forgotten the speech: Indeed for that matter, itwould not have been a great loss if I had forgotten it altogether. Youare to know, Segnor, that while I was enquiring about you of theLandlord, this Stranger passed by. He stopped, and looked at meearnestly. 'Youth!' said He in a solemn voice, 'He whom you seek, hasfound that which He would fain lose. My hand alone can dry up theblood: Bid your Master wish for me when the Clock strikes, 'One.'

  'How?' cried I, starting from my Sopha. (The words which Theodore hadrepeated, seemed to imply the Stranger's knowledge of my secret) 'Flyto him, my Boy! Entreat him to grant me one moment's conversation!'

  Theodore was surprised at the vivacity of my manner: However, He askedno questions, but hastened to obey me. I waited his returnimpatiently. But a short space of time had elapsed when He againappeared and ushered the expected Guest into my chamber. He was a Manof majestic presence: His countenance was strongly marked, and hiseyes were large, black, and sparkling: Yet there was a something inhis look which, the moment that I saw him, inspired me with a secretawe, not to say horror. He was drest plainly, his hair was unpowdered,and a band of black velvet which encircled his forehead spread over hisfeatures an additional gloom. His countenance wore the marks ofprofound melancholy; his step was slow, and his manner grave, stately,and solemn.

  He saluted me with politeness; and having replied to the usualcompliments of introduction, He motioned to Theodore to quit thechamber. The Page instantly withdrew.

  'I know your business,' said He, without giving me time to speak.

  'I have the power of releasing you from your nightly Visitor; But thiscannot be done before Sunday. On the hour when the Sabbath Morningbreaks, Spirits of darkness have least influence over Mortals. AfterSaturday the Nun shall visit you no more.'

  'May I not enquire,' said I, 'by what means you are in possession of asecret which I have carefully concealed from the knowledge of everyone?'

  'How can I be ignorant of your distress, when their cause at thismoment stands beside you?'

  I started. The Stranger continued.

  'Though to you only visible for one hour in the twenty-four, neitherday or night does She ever quit you; Nor will She ever quit you tillyou have granted her request.'

  'And what is that request?'

  'That She must herself explain: It lies not in my knowledge. Wait withpatience for the night of Saturday: All shall be then cleared up.'

  I dared not press him further. He soon after changed the conversationand talked of various matters. He named People who had ceased to existfor many Centuries, and yet with whom He appeared to have beenpersonally acquainted. I could not mention a Country however distantwhich He had not visited, nor could I sufficiently admire the extentand variety of his information. I remarked to him that havingtravelled, seen, and known so much, must have given him infinitepleasure. He shook his head mournfully.

  'No one,' He replied, 'is adequate to comprehending the misery of mylot! Fate obliges me to be constantly in movement: I am not permittedto pass more than a fortnight in the same place. I have no Friend inthe world, and from the restlessness of my destiny I never can acquireone. Fain would I lay down my miserable life, for I envy those whoenjoy the quiet of the Grave: But Death eludes me, and flies from myembrace. In vain do I throw myself in the way of danger. I plungeinto the Ocean; The Waves throw me back with abhorrence upon the shore:I rush into fire; The flames recoil at my approach: I oppose myself tothe fury of Banditti; Their swords become blunted, and break against mybreast: The hungry Tiger shudders at my approach, and the Alligatorflies from a Monster more horrible than itself. God has set his sealupon me, and all his Creatures respect this fatal mark!'

  He put his hand to the velvet, which was bound round his forehead.There was in his eyes an expression of fury, despair, and malevolence,that struck horror to my very soul. An involuntary convulsion made meshudder. The Stranger perceived it.

  'Such is the curse imposed on me,' he continued: 'I am doomed toinspire all who look on me with terror and detestation. You alreadyfeel the influence of the charm, and with every succeeding moment willfeel it more. I will not add to your sufferings by my presence.Farewell till Saturday. As soon as the Clock strikes twelve, expect meat your chamber door.'

  Having said this He departed, leaving me in astonishment at themysterious turn of his manner and conversation.

  His assurances that I should soon be relieved from the Apparition'svisits produced a good effect upon my constitution. Theodore, whom Irather treated as an adopted Child than a Domestic, was surprized athis return to observe the amendment in my looks. He congratulated meon this symptom of returning health, and declared himself delighted atmy having received so much benefit from my conference with the GreatMogul. Upon enquiry I found that the Stranger had already past eightdays in Ratisbon: According to his own account, therefore, He was onlyto remain there six days longer. Saturday was still at the distance ofThree. Oh! with what impatience did I expect its arrival! In theinterim, the Bleeding Nun continued her nocturnal visits; But hopingsoon to be released from them altogether, the effects which theyproduced on me became less violent than before.

  The wished-for night arrived. To avoid creating suspicion I retired tobed at my usual hour: But as soon as my Attendants had left me, Idressed myself again, and prepared for the Stranger's reception. Heentered my room upon the turn of midnight. A small Chest was in hishand, which He placed near the Stove. He saluted me without speaking;I returned the compliment, observing an equal silence. He then openedhis Chest. The first thing which He produced was a small woodenCrucifix: He sank upon his knees, gazed upon it mournfully, and casthis eyes towards heaven. He seemed to be praying devoutly. At lengthHe bowed his head respectfully, kissed the Crucifix thrice, and quittedhis kneeling posture. He next drew from the Chest a covered Goblet:With the liquor which it contained, and which appeared to be blood, Hesprinkled the floor, and then dipping in it one end of the Crucifix, Hedescribed a circle in the middle of the room. Round about this Heplaced various reliques, sculls, thigh-bones &c; I observed, that Hedisposed them all in the forms of Crosses. Lastly He took out a largeBible, and beckoned me to follow him into the Circle. I obeyed.

  'Be cautious not to utter a syllable!' whispered the Stranger; 'Stepnot out of the circle, and as you love yourself, dare not to look uponmy face!'

  Holding the Crucifix in one hand, the Bible in the other, He seemed toread with profound attention. The Clock struck 'One'! As usual I heardthe Spectre's steps upon the Staircase: But I was not seized with theaccustomed shivering. I waited her approach with confidence. Sheentered the room, drew near the Circle, and stopped. The Strangermuttered some words, to me unintelligible. Then raising his head fromthe Book, and extending the Crucifix towards the Ghost, He pronouncedin a voice distinct and solemn,

  'Beatrice! Beatrice! Beatrice!'

  'What wouldst Thou?' replied the Apparition in a hollow faltering tone.

  'What disturbs thy sleep? Why dost thou afflict and torture thisYouth? How can rest be restored to thy unquiet Spirit?'

  'I dare not tell!--I must not tell!--Fain would I repose in my Grave,but stern commands force me to prolong my punishment!'

  'Knowest Thou this blood? Knowest Thou in whose veins it flowed?

  Beatrice! Beatrice! In his name I charge thee to answer me!'

  'I dare not disobey my taskers.'

  'Darest Thou disob
ey Me?'

  He spoke in a commanding tone, and drew the sable band from hisforehead. In spite of his injunctions to the contrary, Curiosity wouldnot suffer me to keep my eyes off his face: I raised them, and behelda burning Cross impressed upon his brow. For the horror with which thisobject inspired me I cannot account, but I never felt its equal! Mysenses left me for some moments; A mysterious dread overcame mycourage, and had not the Exorciser caught my hand, I should have fallenout of the Circle.

  When I recovered myself, I perceived that the burning Cross hadproduced an effect no less violent upon the Spectre. Her countenanceexpressed reverence, and horror, and her visionary limbs were shaken byfear.

  'Yes!' She said at length; 'I tremble at that mark!--respect it!--Iobey you! Know then, that my bones lie still unburied: They rot in theobscurity of Lindenberg Hole. None but this Youth has the right ofconsigning them to the Grave. His own lips have made over to me hisbody and his soul: Never will I give back his promise, never shall Heknow a night devoid of terror, unless He engages to collect mymouldering bones, and deposit them in the family vault of hisAndalusian Castle. Then let thirty Masses be said for the repose of mySpirit, and I trouble this world no more. Now let me depart! Thoseflames are scorching!'

  He let the hand drop slowly which held the Crucifix, and which tillthen He had pointed towards her. The apparition bowed her head, andher form melted into air. The Exorciser led me out of the Circle. Hereplaced the Bible &c. in the Chest, and then addressed himself to me,who stood near him speechless from astonishment.

  'Don Raymond, you have heard the conditions on which repose is promisedyou. Be it your business to fulfil them to the letter. For me nothingmore remains than to clear up the darkness still spread over theSpectre's History, and inform you that when living, Beatrice bore thename of las Cisternas. She was the great Aunt of your Grandfather: Inquality of your relation, her ashes demand respect from you, though theenormity of her crimes must excite your abhorrence. The nature ofthose crimes no one is more capable of explaining to you than myself:I was personally acquainted with the holy Man who proscribed hernocturnal riots in the Castle of Lindenberg, and I hold this narrativefrom his own lips.

  'Beatrice de las Cisternas took the veil at an early age, not by herown choice, but at the express command of her Parents. She was thentoo young to regret the pleasures of which her profession deprived her:But no sooner did her warm and voluptuous character begin to bedeveloped than She abandoned herself freely to the impulse of herpassions, and seized the first opportunity to procure theirgratification. This opportunity was at length presented, after manyobstacles which only added new force to her desires. She contrived toelope from the Convent, and fled to Germany with the Baron Lindenberg.She lived at his Castle several months as his avowed Concubine: AllBavaria was scandalized by her impudent and abandoned conduct. Herfeasts vied in luxury with Cleopatra's, and Lindenberg became theTheatre of the most unbridled debauchery. Not satisfied withdisplaying the incontinence of a Prostitute, She professed herself anAtheist: She took every opportunity to scoff at her monastic vows,and loaded with ridicule the most sacred ceremonies of Religion.

  'Possessed of a character so depraved, She did not long confine heraffections to one object. Soon after her arrival at the Castle, theBaron's younger Brother attracted her notice by his strong-markedfeatures, gigantic Stature, and Herculean limbs. She was not of anhumour to keep her inclinations long unknown; But She found in Otto vonLindenberg her equal in depravity. He returned her passion justsufficiently to increase it; and when He had worked it up to thedesired pitch, He fixed the price of his love at his Brother's murder.The Wretch consented to this horrible agreement. A night was pitchedupon for perpetrating the deed. Otto, who resided on a small Estate afew miles distant from the Castle, promised that at One in the morningHe would be waiting for her at Lindenberg Hole; that He would bringwith him a party of chosen Friends, by whose aid He doubted not beingable to make himself Master of the Castle; and that his next stepshould be the uniting her hand to his. It was this last promise, whichoverruled every scruple of Beatrice, since in spite of his affectionfor her, the Baron had declared positively that He never would make herhis Wife.

  'The fatal night arrived. The Baron slept in the arms of hisperfidious Mistress, when the Castle-Bell struck 'One.' ImmediatelyBeatrice drew a dagger from underneath the pillow, and plunged it inher Paramour's heart. The Baron uttered a single dreadful groan, andexpired. The Murderess quitted her bed hastily, took a Lamp in onehand, in the other the bloody dagger, and bent her course towards thecavern. The Porter dared not to refuse opening the Gates to one moredreaded in the Castle than its Master. Beatrice reached LindenbergHole unopposed, where according to promise She found Otto waiting forher. He received and listened to her narrative with transport: But ereShe had time to ask why He came unaccompanied, He convinced her that Hewished for no witnesses to their interview. Anxious to conceal hisshare in the murder, and to free himself from a Woman, whose violentand atrocious character made him tremble with reason for his ownsafety, He had resolved on the destruction of his wretched Agent.Rushing upon her suddenly, He wrested the dagger from her hand: Heplunged it still reeking with his Brother's blood in her bosom, and putan end to her existence by repeated blows.

  'Otto now succeeded to the Barony of Lindenberg. The murder wasattributed solely to the fugitive Nun, and no one suspected him to havepersuaded her to the action. But though his crime was unpunished byMan, God's justice permitted him not to enjoy in peace hisblood-stained honours. Her bones lying still unburied in the Cave, therestless soul of Beatrice continued to inhabit the Castle. Drest inher religious habit in memory of her vows broken to heaven, furnishedwith the dagger which had drank the blood of her Paramour, and holdingthe Lamp which had guided her flying steps, every night did She standbefore the Bed of Otto. The most dreadful confusion reigned through theCastle; The vaulted chambers resounded with shrieks and groans; And theSpectre, as She ranged along the antique Galleries, uttered anincoherent mixture of prayers and blasphemies. Otto was unable towithstand the shock which He felt at this fearful Vision: Its horrorincreased with every succeeding appearance: His alarm at length becameso insupportable that his heart burst, and one morning He was found inhis bed totally deprived of warmth and animation. His death did notput an end to the nocturnal riots. The bones of Beatrice continued tolie unburied, and her Ghost continued to haunt the Castle.

  'The domains of Lindenberg now fell to a distant Relation. Butterrified by the accounts given him of the Bleeding Nun (So was theSpectre called by the multitude), the new Baron called to hisassistance a celebrated Exorciser. This holy Man succeeded in obligingher to temporary repose; But though She discovered to him her history,He was not permitted to reveal it to others, or cause her skeleton tobe removed to hallowed ground. That Office was reserved for you, andtill your coming, her Ghost was doomed to wander about the Castle andlament the crime which She had there committed. However, the Exorciserobliged her to silence during his lifetime. So long as He existed, thehaunted chamber was shut up, and the Spectre was invisible. At hisdeath which happened in five years after, She again appeared, but onlyonce on every fifth year, on the same day and at the same hour when Sheplunged her Knife in the heart of her sleeping Lover: She then visitedthe Cavern which held her mouldering skeleton, returned to the Castleas soon as the Clock struck 'Two,' and was seen no more till the nextfive years had elapsed.

  'She was doomed to suffer during the space of a Century. That periodis past. Nothing now remains but to consign to the Grave the ashes ofBeatrice. I have been the means of releasing you from your visionaryTormentor; and amidst all the sorrows which oppress me, to think that Ihave been of use to you, is some consolation. Youth, farewell! Maythe Ghost of your Relation enjoy that rest in the Tomb, which theAlmighty's vengeance has denied to me for ever!'

  Here the Stranger prepared to quit the apartment.

  'Stay yet one moment!' said I; 'You have satis
fied my curiosity withregard to the Spectre, but you leave me in prey to yet greaterrespecting yourself. Deign to inform me, to whom I am under such realobligations. You mention circumstances long past, and persons longdead: You were personally acquainted with the Exorciser, who by yourown account has been deceased near a Century. How am I to account forthis? What means that burning Cross upon your forehead, and why didthe sight of it strike such horror to my soul?'

  On these points He for some time refused to satisfy me. At lengthovercome by my entreaties, He consented to clear up the whole, oncondition that I would defer his explanation till the next day. Withthis request I was obliged to comply, and He left me. In the Morningmy first care was to enquire after the mysterious Stranger. Conceivemy disappointment when informed that He had already quitted Ratisbon.I dispatched messengers in pursuit of him but in vain. No traces ofthe Fugitive were discovered. Since that moment I never have heard anymore of him, and 'tis most probable that I never shall.'

  (Lorenzo here interrupted his Friend's narrative.

  'How?' said He; 'You have never discovered who He was, or even formed aguess?'

  'Pardon me,' replied the Marquis; 'When I related this adventure to myUncle, the Cardinal-Duke, He told me that He had no doubt of thissingular Man's being the celebrated Character known universally by thename of 'the wandering Jew.' His not being permitted to pass more thanfourteen days on the same spot, the burning Cross impressed upon hisforehead, the effect which it produced upon the Beholders, and manyother circumstances give this supposition the colour of truth. TheCardinal is fully persuaded of it; and for my own part I am inclined toadopt the only solution which offers itself to this riddle. I returnto the narrative from which I have digressed.')

  From this period I recovered my health so rapidly as to astonish myPhysicians. The Bleeding Nun appeared no more, and I was soon able toset out for Lindenberg. The Baron received me with open arms. Iconfided to him the sequel of my adventure; and He was not a littlepleased to find that his Mansion would be no longer troubled with thePhantom's quiennial visits. I was sorry to perceive that absence hadnot weakened Donna Rodolpha's imprudent passion. In a privateconversation which I had with her during my short stay at the Castle,She renewed her attempts to persuade me to return her affection.Regarding her as the primary cause of all my sufferings, I entertainedfor her no other sentiment than disgust. The Skeleton of Beatrice wasfound in the place which She had mentioned. This being all that Isought at Lindenberg, I hastened to quit the Baron's domains, equallyanxious to perform the obsequies of the murdered Nun, and escape theimportunity of a Woman whom I detested. I departed, followed by DonnaRodolpha's menaces that my contempt should not be long unpunished.

  I now bent my course towards Spain with all diligence. Lucas with myBaggage had joined me during my abode at Lindenberg. I arrived in mynative Country without any accident, and immediately proceeded to myFather's Castle in Andalusia. The remains of Beatrice were depositedin the family vault, all due ceremonies performed, and the number ofMasses said which She had required. Nothing now hindered me fromemploying all my endeavours to discover the retreat of Agnes. TheBaroness had assured me that her Niece had already taken the veil:This intelligence I suspected to have been forged by jealousy, andhoped to find my Mistress still at liberty to accept my hand. Ienquired after her family; I found that before her Daughter could reachMadrid, Donna Inesilla was no more: You, my dear Lorenzo, were said tobe abroad, but where I could not discover: Your Father was in adistant Province on a visit to the Duke de Medina, and as to Agnes, noone could or would inform me what was become of her. Theodore,according to promise, had returned to Strasbourg, where He found hisGrandfather dead, and Marguerite in possession of his fortune. All herpersuasions to remain with her were fruitless: He quitted her a secondtime, and followed me to Madrid. He exerted himself to the utmost inforwarding my search: But our united endeavours were unattended bysuccess. The retreat which concealed Agnes remained an impenetrablemystery, and I began to abandon all hopes of recovering her.

  About eight months ago I was returning to my Hotel in a melancholyhumour, having past the evening at the Play-House. The Night was dark,and I was unaccompanied. Plunged in reflections which were far frombeing agreeable, I perceived not that three Men had followed me fromthe Theatre; till, on turning into an unfrequented Street, they allattacked me at the same time with the utmost fury. I sprang back a fewpaces, drew my sword, and threw my cloak over my left arm. Theobscurity of the night was in my favour. For the most part the blowsof the Assassins, being aimed at random, failed to touch me. I atlength was fortunate enough to lay one of my Adversaries at my feet;But before this I had already received so many wounds, and was sowarmly pressed, that my destruction would have been inevitable, had notthe clashing of swords called a Cavalier to my assistance. He rantowards me with his sword drawn: Several Domestics followed him withtorches. His arrival made the combat equal: Yet would not the Bravoesabandon their design till the Servants were on the point of joining us.They then fled away, and we lost them in the obscurity.

  The Stranger now addressed himself to me with politeness, and enquiredwhether I was wounded. Faint with the loss of blood, I could scarcelythank him for his seasonable aid, and entreat him to let some of hisServants convey me to the Hotel de las Cisternas. I no soonermentioned the name than He profest himself an acquaintance of myFather's, and declared that He would not permit my being transported tosuch a distance before my wounds had been examined. He added that hisHouse was hard by, and begged me to accompany him thither. His mannerwas so earnest, that I could not reject his offer, and leaning upon hisarm, a few minutes brought me to the Porch of a magnificent Hotel.

  On entering the House, an old grey-headed Domestic came to welcome myConductor: He enquired when the Duke, his Master, meant to quit theCountry, and was answered that He would remain there yet some months.My Deliverer then desired the family Surgeon to be summoned withoutdelay. His orders were obeyed. I was seated upon a Sopha in a nobleapartment; and my wounds being examined, they were declared to be veryslight. The Surgeon, however, advised me not to expose myself to thenight air; and the Stranger pressed me so earnestly to take a bed inhis House, that I consented to remain where I was for the present.

  Being now left alone with my Deliverer, I took the opportunity ofthanking him in more express terms, than I had done hitherto: But Hebegged me to be silent upon the subject.

  'I esteem myself happy,' said He, 'in having had it in my power torender you this little service; and I shall think myself eternallyobliged to my Daughter for detaining me so late at the Convent of St.Clare. The high esteem in which I have ever held the Marquis de lasCisternas, though accident has not permitted our being so intimate as Icould wish, makes me rejoice in the opportunity of making his Son'sacquaintance. I am certain that my Brother in whose House you now are,will lament his not being at Madrid to receive you himself: But in theDuke's absence I am Master of the family, and may assure you in hisname, that every thing in the Hotel de Medina is perfectly at yourdisposal.'

  Conceive my surprize, Lorenzo, at discovering in the person of myPreserver Don Gaston de Medina: It was only to be equalled by mysecret satisfaction at the assurance that Agnes inhabited the Conventof St. Clare. This latter sensation was not a little weakened, when inanswer to my seemingly indifferent questions He told me that hisDaughter had really taken the veil. I suffered not my grief at thiscircumstance to take root in my mind: I flattered myself with the ideathat my Uncle's credit at the Court of Rome would remove this obstacle,and that without difficulty I should obtain for my Mistress adispensation from her vows. Buoyed up with this hope I calmed theuneasiness of my bosom; and I redoubled my endeavours to appeargrateful for the attention and pleased with the society of Don Gaston.

  A Domestic now entered the room, and informed me that the Bravo whom Ihad wounded discovered some signs of life. I desired that He might becarried to my Father's Hotel, and that as soon as He recover
ed hisvoice, I would examine him respecting his reasons for attempting mylife. I was answered that He was already able to speak, though withdifficulty: Don Gaston's curiosity made him press me to interrogatethe Assassin in his presence, but this curiosity I was by no meansinclined to gratify. One reason was, that doubting from whence theblow came, I was unwilling to place before Don Gaston's eyes the guiltof a Sister: Another was, that I feared to be recognized for Alphonsod'Alvarada, and precautions taken in consequence to keep me from thesight of Agnes. To avow my passion for his Daughter, and endeavour tomake him enter into my schemes, what I knew of Don Gaston's characterconvinced me would be an imprudent step: and considering it to beessential that He should know me for no other than the Conde de lasCisternas, I was determined not to let him hear the Bravo's confession.I insinuated to him, that as I suspected a Lady to be concerned in theBusiness, whose name might accidentally escape from the Assassin, itwas necessary for me to examine the Man in private. Don Gaston'sdelicacy would not permit his urging the point any longer, and inconsequence the Bravo was conveyed to my Hotel.

  The next Morning I took leave of my Host, who was to return to the Dukeon the same day. My wounds had been so trifling that, except beingobliged to wear my arm in a sling for a short time, I felt noinconvenience from the night's adventure. The Surgeon who examined theBravo's wound declared it to be mortal: He had just time to confessthat He had been instigated to murder me by the revengeful DonnaRodolpha, and expired in a few minutes after.

  All my thoughts were now bent upon getting to the speech of my lovelyNun. Theodore set himself to work, and for this time with bettersuccess. He attacked the Gardener of St. Clare so forcibly with bribesand promises that the Old Man was entirely gained over to my interests;and it was settled that I should be introduced into the Convent in thecharacter of his Assistant. The plan was put into execution withoutdelay. Disguised in a common habit, and a black patch covering one ofmy eyes, I was presented to the Lady Prioress, who condescended toapprove of the Gardener's choice. I immediately entered upon myemployment. Botany having been a favourite study with me, I was by nomeans at a loss in my new station. For some days I continued to workin the Convent Garden without meeting the Object of my disguise: On thefourth Morning I was more successful. I heard the voice of Agnes, andwas speeding towards the sound, when the sight of the Domina stoppedme. I drew back with caution, and concealed myself behind a thickclump of Trees.

  The Prioress advanced and seated herself with Agnes on a Bench at nogreat distance. I heard her in an angry tone blame her Companion'scontinual melancholy: She told her that to weep the loss of any Loverin her situation was a crime; But that to weep the loss of a faithlessone was folly and absurdity in the extreme. Agnes replied in so low avoice that I could not distinguish her words, but I perceived that Sheused terms of gentleness and submission. The conversation wasinterrupted by the arrival of a young Pensioner who informed the Dominathat She was waited for in the Parlour. The old Lady rose, kissed thecheek of Agnes, and retired. The newcomer remained. Agnes spoke muchto her in praise of somebody whom I could not make out, but her Auditorseemed highly delighted, and interested by the conversation. The Nunshowed her several letters; the Other perused them with evidentpleasure, obtained permission to copy them, and withdrew for thatpurpose to my great satisfaction.

  No sooner was She out of sight, than I quitted my concealment. Fearingto alarm my lovely Mistress, I drew near her gently, intending todiscover myself by degrees. But who for a moment can deceive the eyesof love? She raised her head at my approach, and recognised me inspite of my disguise at a single glance. She rose hastily from herseat with an exclamation of surprize, and attempted to retire; But Ifollowed her, detained her, and entreated to be heard. Persuaded of myfalsehood She refused to listen to me, and ordered me positively toquit the Garden. It was now my turn to refuse. I protested thathowever dangerous might be the consequences, I would not leave her tillShe had heard my justification. I assured her that She had beendeceived by the artifices of her Relations; that I could convince herbeyond the power of doubt that my passion had been pure anddisinterested; and I asked her what should induce me to seek her in theConvent, were I influenced by the selfish motives which my Enemies hadascribed to me.

  My prayers, my arguments, and vows not to quit her, till She hadpromised to listen to me, united to her fears lest the Nuns should seeme with her, to her natural curiosity, and to the affection which Shestill felt for me in spite of my supposed desertion, at lengthprevailed. She told me that to grant my request at that moment wasimpossible; But She engaged to be in the same spot at eleven thatnight, and to converse with me for the last time. Having obtained thispromise I released her hand, and She fled back with rapidity towardsthe Convent.

  I communicated my success to my Ally, the old Gardener: He pointed outan hiding place where I might shelter myself till night without fear ofa discovery. Thither I betook myself at the hour when I ought to haveretired with my supposed Master, and waited impatiently for theappointed time. The chillness of the night was in my favour, since itkept the other Nuns confined to their Cells. Agnes alone wasinsensible of the inclemency of the Air, and before eleven joined me atthe spot which had witnessed our former interview. Secure frominterruption, I related to her the true cause of my disappearing on thefatal fifth of May. She was evidently much affected by my narrative:When it was concluded, She confessed the injustice of her suspicions,and blamed herself for having taken the veil through despair at myingratitude.

  'But now it is too late to repine!' She added; 'The die is thrown: Ihave pronounced my vows, and dedicated myself to the service of heaven.I am sensible, how ill I am calculated for a Convent. My disgust at amonastic life increases daily: Ennui and discontent are my constantCompanions; and I will not conceal from you that the passion which Iformerly felt for one so near being my Husband is not yet extinguishedin my bosom. But we must part! Insuperable Barriers divide us fromeach other, and on this side the Grave we must never meet again!'

  I now exerted myself to prove that our union was not so impossible asShe seemed to think it. I vaunted to her the Cardinal-Duke of Lerma'sinfluence at the Court of Rome: I assured her that I should easilyobtain a dispensation from her vows; and I doubted not but Don Gastonwould coincide with my views, when informed of my real name and longattachment. Agnes replied that since I encouraged such an hope, Icould know but little of her Father. Liberal and kind in every otherrespect, Superstition formed the only stain upon his character. Uponthis head He was inflexible; He sacrificed his dearest interests to hisscruples, and would consider it an insult to suppose him capable ofauthorising his daughter to break her vows to heaven.

  'But suppose,' said I interrupting her; 'Suppose that He shoulddisapprove of our union; Let him remain ignorant of my proceedings,till I have rescued you from the prison in which you are now confined.Once my Wife, you are free from his authority: I need from him nopecuniary assistance; and when He sees his resentment to be unavailing,He will doubtless restore you to his favour. But let the worst happen;Should Don Gaston be irreconcileable, my Relations will vie with eachother in making you forget his loss: and you will find in my Father asubstitute for the Parent of whom I shall deprive you.'

  'Don Raymond,' replied Agnes in a firm and resolute voice, 'I love myFather: He has treated me harshly in this one instance; but I havereceived from him in every other so many proofs of love that hisaffection is become necessary to my existence. Were I to quit theConvent, He never would forgive me; nor can I think that on hisdeathbed He would leave me his curse, without shuddering at the veryidea. Besides, I am conscious myself, that my vows are binding:Wilfully did I contract my engagement with heaven; I cannot break itwithout a crime. Then banish from your mind the idea of our being everunited. I am devoted to religion; and however I may grieve at ourseparation, I would oppose obstacles myself, to what I feel wouldrender me guilty.'

  I strove to overrule these ill-grounded scruples: We were
stilldisputing upon the subject, when the Convent Bell summoned the Nuns toMatins. Agnes was obliged to attend them; But She left me not till Ihad compelled her to promise that on the following night She would beat the same place at the same hour. These meetings continued forseveral Weeks uninterrupted; and 'tis now, Lorenzo, that I must imploreyour indulgence. Reflect upon our situation, our youth, our longattachment: Weigh all the circumstances which attended ourassignations, and you will confess the temptation to have beenirresistible; you will even pardon me when I acknowledge, that in anunguarded moment, the honour of Agnes was sacrificed to my passion.'

  (Lorenzo's eyes sparkled with fury: A deep crimson spread itself overhis face. He started from his seat, and attempted to draw his sword.The Marquis was aware of his movement, and caught his hand: He pressedit affectionately.

  'My Friend! My Brother! Hear me to the conclusion! Till then restrainyour passion, and be at least convinced, that if what I have related iscriminal, the blame must fall upon me, and not upon your Sister.'

  Lorenzo suffered himself to be prevailed upon by Don Raymond'sentreaties. He resumed his place, and listened to the rest of thenarrative with a gloomy and impatient countenance. The Marquis thuscontinued.)

  'Scarcely was the first burst of passion past when Agnes, recoveringherself, started from my arms with horror. She called me infamousSeducer, loaded me with the bitterest reproaches, and beat her bosom inall the wildness of delirium. Ashamed of my imprudence, I withdifficulty found words to excuse myself. I endeavoured to console her;I threw myself at her feet, and entreated her forgiveness. She forcedher hand from me, which I had taken, and would have prest to my lips.

  'Touch me not!' She cried with a violence which terrified me; 'Monsterof perfidy and ingratitude, how have I been deceived in you! I lookedupon you as my Friend, my Protector: I trusted myself in your handswith confidence, and relying upon your honour, thought that mine ran norisque. And 'tis by you, whom I adored, that I am covered with infamy!'Tis by you that I have been seduced into breaking my vows to God, thatI am reduced to a level with the basest of my sex! Shame upon you,Villain, you shall never see me more!'

  She started from the Bank on which She was seated. I endeavoured todetain her; But She disengaged herself from me with violence, and tookrefuge in the Convent.

  I retired, filled with confusion and inquietude. The next morning Ifailed not as usual to appear in the Garden; but Agnes was no where tobe seen. At night I waited for her at the place where we generallymet; I found no better success. Several days and nights passed away inthe same manner. At length I saw my offended Mistress cross the walkon whose borders I was working: She was accompanied by the same youngPensioner, on whose arm She seemed from weakness obliged to supportherself. She looked upon me for a moment, but instantly turned herhead away. I waited her return; But She passed on to the Conventwithout paying any attention to me, or the penitent looks with which Iimplored her forgiveness.

  As soon as the Nuns were retired, the old Gardener joined me with asorrowful air.

  'Segnor,' said He, 'it grieves me to say, that I can be no longer ofuse to you. The Lady whom you used to meet has just assured me that ifI admitted you again into the Garden, She would discover the wholebusiness to the Lady Prioress. She bade me tell you also, that yourpresence was an insult, and that if you still possess the least respectfor her, you will never attempt to see her more. Excuse me then forinforming you that I can favour your disguise no longer. Should thePrioress be acquainted with my conduct, She might not be contented withdismissing me her service: Out of revenge She might accuse me ofhaving profaned the Convent, and cause me to be thrown into the Prisonsof the Inquisition.'

  Fruitless were my attempts to conquer his resolution. He denied me allfuture entrance into the Garden, and Agnes persevered in neitherletting me see or hear from her. In about a fortnight after, a violentillness which had seized my Father obliged me to set out for Andalusia.I hastened thither, and as I imagined, found the Marquis at the pointof death. Though on its first appearance his complaint was declaredmortal, He lingered out several Months; during which my attendance uponhim during his malady, and the occupation of settling his affairs afterhis decease, permitted not my quitting Andalusia. Within these fourdays I returned to Madrid, and on arriving at my Hotel, I there foundthis letter waiting for me.

  (Here the Marquis unlocked the drawer of a Cabinet: He took out afolded paper, which He presented to his Auditor. Lorenzo opened it,and recognised his Sister's hand. The Contents were as follows.

  Into what an abyss of misery have you plunged me! Raymond, you forceme to become as criminal as yourself. I had resolved never to see youmore; if possible, to forget you; If not, only to remember you withhate. A Being for whom I already feel a Mother's tenderness, solicitsme to pardon my Seducer, and apply to his love for the means ofpreservation. Raymond, your child lives in my bosom. I tremble at thevengeance of the Prioress; I tremble much for myself, yet more for theinnocent Creature whose existence depends upon mine. Both of us arelost, should my situation be discovered. Advise me then what steps totake, but seek not to see me. The Gardener, who undertakes to deliverthis, is dismissed, and we have nothing to hope from that quarter: TheMan engaged in his place is of incorruptible fidelity. The best meansof conveying to me your answer, is by concealing it under the greatStatue of St. Francis, which stands in the Capuchin Cathedral. ThitherI go every Thursday to confession, and shall easily have an opportunityof securing your letter. I hear that you are now absent from Madrid;Need I entreat you to write the very moment of your return? I will notthink it. Ah! Raymond! Mine is a cruel situation! Deceived by mynearest Relations, compelled to embrace a profession the duties ofwhich I am ill-calculated to perform, conscious of the sanctity ofthose duties, and seduced into violating them by One whom I leastsuspected of perfidy, I am now obliged by circumstances to chusebetween death and perjury. Woman's timidity, and maternal affection,permit me not to balance in the choice. I feel all the guilt intowhich I plunge myself, when I yield to the plan which you beforeproposed to me. My poor Father's death which has taken place since wemet, has removed one obstacle. He sleeps in his grave, and I no longerdread his anger. But from the anger of God, Oh! Raymond! who shallshield me? Who can protect me against my conscience, against myself?I dare not dwell upon these thoughts; They will drive me mad. I havetaken my resolution: Procure a dispensation from my vows; I am readyto fly with you. Write to me, my Husband! Tell me, that absence hasnot abated your love, tell me that you will rescue from death yourunborn Child, and its unhappy Mother. I live in all the agonies ofterror: Every eye which is fixed upon me seems to read my secret andmy shame. And you are the cause of those agonies! Oh! When my heartfirst loved you, how little did it suspect you of making it feel suchpangs!

  Agnes.

  Having perused the letter, Lorenzo restored it in silence. The Marquisreplaced it in the Cabinet, and then proceeded.)

  'Excessive was my joy at reading this intelligence soearnestly-desired, so little expected. My plan was soon arranged.When Don Gaston discovered to me his Daughter's retreat, I entertainedno doubt of her readiness to quit the Convent: I had, therefore,entrusted the Cardinal-Duke of Lerma with the whole affair, whoimmediately busied himself in obtaining the necessary Bull.Fortunately I had afterwards neglected to stop his proceedings. Notlong since I received a letter from him, stating that He expected dailyto receive the order from the Court of Rome. Upon this I wouldwillingly have relyed: But the Cardinal wrote me word, that I mustfind some means of conveying Agnes out of the Convent, unknown to thePrioress. He doubted not but this Latter would be much incensed bylosing a Person of such high rank from her society, and consider therenunciation of Agnes as an insult to her House. He represented her asa Woman of a violent and revengeful character, capable of proceeding tothe greatest extremities. It was therefore to be feared, lest byconfining Agnes in the Convent She should frustrate my hop
es, andrender the Pope's mandate unavailing. Influenced by thisconsideration, I resolved to carry off my Mistress, and conceal hertill the arrival of the expected Bull in the Cardinal-Duke's Estate.He approved of my design, and profest himself ready to give a shelterto the Fugitive. I next caused the new Gardener of St. Clare to beseized privately, and confined in my Hotel. By this means I becameMaster of the Key to the Garden door, and I had now nothing more to dothan prepare Agnes for the elopement. This was done by the letter,which you saw me deliver this Evening. I told her in it, that I shouldbe ready to receive her at twelve tomorrow night, that I had securedthe Key of the Garden, and that She might depend upon a speedy release.

  You have now, Lorenzo, heard the whole of my long narrative. I havenothing to say in my excuse, save that my intentions towards yourSister have been ever the most honourable: That it has always been,and still is my design to make her my Wife: And that I trust, when youconsider these circumstances, our youth, and our attachment, you willnot only forgive our momentary lapse from virtue, but will aid me inrepairing my faults to Agnes, and securing a lawful title to her personand her heart.

 

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