It was already
midnight. She flew to her Cell, and soon returned with her
little basket and the Key of the Cemetery, which had remained in
her possession since her first visit to the Vaults. She gave the
Monk no time for reflection.
'Come!' She said, and took his hand; 'Follow me, and witness the
effects of your resolve!'
This said, She drew him hastily along. They passed into the
Burying-ground unobserved, opened the door of the Sepulchre, and
found themselves at the head of the subterraneous Staircase. As
yet the beams of the full Moon had guided their steps, but that
resource now failed them. Matilda had neglected to provide
herself with a Lamp. Still holding Ambrosio's hand She descended
the marble steps; But the profound obscurity with which they were
overspread obliged them to walk slow and cautiously.
'You tremble!' said Matilda to her Companion; 'Fear not; The
destined spot is near.'
They reached the foot of the Staircase, and continued to
proceed, feeling their way along the Walls. On turning a corner
suddenly, they descried faint gleams of light which seemed
burning at a distance. Thither they bent their steps: The rays
proceeded from a small sepulchral Lamp which flamed unceasingly
before the Statue of St. Clare. It tinged with dim and cheerless
beams the massy Columns which supported the Roof, but was too
feeble to dissipate the thick gloom in which the Vaults above
were buried.
Matilda took the Lamp.
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