Alarmed at some of the Abbot's speeches, which Antonia had
innocently repeated, Elvira resolved to ascertain the truth of
her suspicions. She had known enough of Mankind not to be
imposed upon by the Monk's reputed virtue. She reflected on
several circumstances, which though trifling, on being put
together seemed to authorize her fears. His frequent visits,
which as far as She could see, were confined to her family; His
evident emotion, whenever She spoke of Antonia; His being in the
full prime and heat of Manhood; and above all, his pernicious
philosophy communicated to her by Antonia, and which accorded but
ill with his conversation in her presence, all these
circumstances inspired her with doubts respecting the purity of
Ambrosio's friendship. In consequence, She resolved, when He
should next be alone with Antonia, to endeavour at surprizing
him. Her plan had succeeded. 'Tis true, that when She entered
the room, He had already abandoned his prey; But the disorder of
her Daughter's dress, and the shame and confusion stamped upon
the Friar's countenance, sufficed to prove that her suspicions
were but too well-founded. However, She was too prudent to make
those suspicions known. She judged that to unmask the Imposter
would be no easy matter, the public being so much prejudiced in
his favour: and having but few Friends, She thought it dangerous
to make herself so powerful an Enemy. She affected therefore not
to remark his agitation, seated herself tranquilly upon the
Sopha, assigned some trifling reason for having quitted her room
unexpectedly, and conversed on various subjects with seeming
confidence and ease.
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