He doubted not
being able to secure for Antonia a safe refuge in the House of
one of his Penitents, the Marchioness of Villa-Franca: This was
a Lady of acknowledged virtue, remarkable for strict principles
and extensive charity. Should accident deprive her of this
resource, He engaged to procure Antonia a reception in some
respectable Convent: That is to say, in quality of boarder; for
Elvira had declared herself no Friend to a monastic life, and the
Monk was either candid or complaisant enough to allow that her
disapprobation was not unfounded.
These proofs of the interest which He felt for her completely
won Elvira's heart. In thanking him She exhausted every
expression which Gratitude could furnish, and protested that now
She should resign herself with tranquillity to the Grave.
Ambrosio rose to take leave: He promised to return the next day
at the same hour, but requested that his visits might be kept
secret.
'I am unwilling' said He, 'that my breaking through a rule
imposed by necessity should be generally known. Had I not
resolved never to quit my Convent, except upon circumstances as
urgent as that which has conducted me to your door, I should be
frequently summoned upon insignificant occasions: That time
would be engrossed by the Curious, the Unoccupied, and the
fanciful, which I now pass at the Bedside of the Sick, in
comforting the expiring Penitent, and clearing the passage to
Eternity from Thorns.'
Elvira commended equally his prudence and compassion, promising
to conceal carefully the honour of his visits.
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